Words/Photos: RBY/Phil Mc
The Turbulent 3 stood up first and launched straight into their punk folk meets prog set. Theres a highly politicised message in the vocals which are delivered sharply on top of some excellent bass and drums. They are at their best when they let the groove ring out and when their musicality keeps it all flowing forward with an earnest voice shattering the peace.
Luke (Sheepy) delivered quirky indie pop drenched in instantly memorable melodies and a world‑weary lyrical edge. Stripped down versions of full band Sheepy material is hook-laden and infectious — so much so that even the local constabulary took notice (we had a fair number of the local Constabulary make a brief appearance checking that all was well in the venue during his set…) He evoked Ash’s effervescence, with subtle Squeeze inflections, hints of Weezer, and a strong 90s Brit Pop sensibility, occasionally touching on Feeder’s melodic punch. Playful, smart, and thoroughly engaging, Luke crafted a big sonic landscape with music is as inventive as it is irresistible.
Chinese Junk were on tour and this was the final date that had seen them stretch across much of the UK. The previous night they had been in Newcastle.They brought a dedicated band of followers down to the Salty Dog and the atmosphere was almost party like for their set. They played some straightforward, Ramones tinted punk rock that moved rapidly from chunky verses to singalong choruses and with all three band members singing was also extremely melodic. Sharp, rapid-fire and filled with great tunes.
The Gentle Scars are a gem of a band, they have a glam rock edge to them that is usurped by a larger than life front person whose command of melody leaves their songs sticking in the mind. They deal with strong themes, there’s a strong hint of a life in the gutter spent staring at the stars ,a striving for an maybe unobtainable better life in the lyrics. Expertly played instruments allow the vocalist plenty of room for marching around the audience and inviting them into the dark underbelly of life that the Scars inhabit.
Dead Raze then brought the house down, their blues infected highly danceable noise (hard to believe they are a duo) filled the room and picked up on the party atmosphere that the Turbulent 3 had started. Its raw and direct and tonight, very very loud. Volume added to their sound and carried the audience with them. An MC5 meets John Lee Hooker vibe combined with an intelligent approach to songwriting takes them above the average and they musically twist and turn with a tight delivery and some warm banter with the audience. The room was packed and most were dancing.
Links:
Dead Raze
Web: https://www.deadraze.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Deadraze
Bandcamp: https://deadraze.bandcamp.com/
The Gentle Scars
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegentlescars
Bandcamp: https://thegentlescars.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegentlescars_
Chinese Junk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chinesejunkband
Bandcamp: https://chinesejunk.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chinesejunkband/
Sheepy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheepymusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheepymusic/
Turbulent 3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turbulentonetwothree
Bandcamp: https://turbulent3.bandcamp.com