Gig Review: Covid 21, Razortooth, The Gakk, East Town Pirates and Instant Agony - The Boulevard - Wigan - 08 March 2025

Words and Images by Johnny Reay

It’s always good to visit a venue I’ve not been to before, and this by far was no exception. The Boulevard, situated in Wigan is a basement, fitted out perfectly for the music scene. Going downstairs from the pavement, you’re met with an open space, bar to the left, and entrance to the stage area at the far end. On going through, we are met by Keith the organiser, wristbands on, we take a look around, looks smaller than the pics ive seen, but perfect for those intimate gigs where you feel a part of the stage antics.

First up, a band I reviewed not long ago, CoVid 21. Now, this is another one of those bands that I now know to sound so much better than they do on disc. Kerry on vocals, Bic on guitar, Tran on drums, Martin bass and Wendy on backing vocals and sound bites. Before each song, we hear a sound bite related to the lyrics, Kerry belting out tunes reflecting society seen through her eyes, a voice akin to many female singers from the days of early punk. Quite frankly I was blown away at just how good this band is, and certainly a band ya need to go see for yourselves.

20 or so minutes later, the 3-piece known as Razortooth hit the stage, not seen or heard these before, fast and heavy guitar work with searing vocals, deep bass line and top-drawer drum work give this rock band powerful sound. The drummer Andrew from a band I first saw him in years ago The Jackhammers, hailing from Scotland, Razortooth shows how a 3-piece outfit can sound so much bigger than they are. Another band I’ll be looking out for in the future. Great set.

Next up, a favourite of many in the punk scene, East Town Pirates. Most of you will have seen or at least heard these before. A set of outstanding musicians playing their hearts out, everyone in the crowd on their feet dancing away to ramped up sea shanty tunes in a pirate atmosphere, great fun, great sound and crowd favourite.

Now then, The Gakk, seen these a couple of times before, and it is easy to a liken them to other Irish punk bands, both musically and vocally, at the same time having their own unique style and sound. Like Razortooth, ya get the feeling they are more than a 3 piece. Social and community led lyrics, anti-authoritarian sung and played with a passion and intensity not matched by many. Go see em, top band.

Finally, a band that started out in the Victorian days in good ol Birkenhead, ive know these lads for about 25 years, a 4-piece known by all as Instant Agony. If there is a band out there which has kept 100% the ethos, sound, feel and presence of original punk, these are it. Flawless set from start to finish, odd bits of banter between tracks, sublime guitar, deep heavy bass line, stickwork and of course Hocky’s vocals make this band one of the best old school punk noise makers in the scene.

So, there ya go, my first visit to this great little venue, deffo returning in the no too distant future. Big shout out to Keith for putting this on, to Leah and the crew behind the bar, the punters, the bands and not forgetting the cleaning staff, the place was immaculate. Finally, the sound man, Sam perfect balance and sound throughout the 5 bands, top job Sir.