My anticipations are high for tonight as the venue slowly starts to fill up. Here, in Kingston town, a line up of British punk related bands are taking to the stage and it’s really good to know that they’re all British.
Fighting Fiction play a small set but absolutely give it their all to a half filled room. The band thrust about with energy and leave an impression that won’t be forgotten once the final band has been on and played. The only shame in the night is that the band’s energy and enthusiasm is kind of wasted as they should be playing to many more. However, those who are their to witness are lucky to enjoy what the band have to offer.
The semi acoustic is brought out as Great Cynics take to the stage, with frontman Giles Bidder singing his positive, folk/punk songs to the welcoming and captivated audience. The whole band pack a punch with a solid set and the dual vocals of Giles with bass player Iona really do add a magic to the set, followed by a clap along in final song ’25’. A great set for a band who’s latest EP shows that the band could really kick it off this year.
With an album out in a few weeks and a new single released earlier in the week, Apologies, I Have None are welcomed with a strong set of loyal fans at the front singing along to every word. An impressive set showcasing three different sets of vocals and talented songwriting that will push the band to the forefront of British music this year. An upcoming support slot with Touché Amoré will surely help the band reach out to a wider audience. It won’t be long until those 10 singing along at the front will become 100.
Crazy Arm sound absolutely massive. There may be slightly less people in comparison to before but the songs still sound absolutely huge to the crowd packed into this tiny venue to witness possibly the classiest folk-punk band of all time (they’re all in smart black shirts you see) The band are worthy headliners and a truly great British act who many seem to be missing out on. Guest female vocals halfway through is a real nice touch as well as the guest vocals from Apologies’ bassist, even if it is quick lived.
Tonight is a true showcase of talent pouring out of Britain. The problem was that these bands should be playing to a much larger crowd. Small gigs are good, yeah, but what this night seemed to lack was atmosphere. Each band was tremendous in their own way and hopefully next time the crowds will be bigger and more appreciative of the awesome, pure talent in front of them.
3.5/5
Michael Brown
