Words by Johnny Reay, Photos by Richie Yates
First time for us visiting The Salty Dog in Northwich last weekend. 50 minutes up the motorway and we wind our way into the beautiful town of Victorian buildings and a crazy one-way system. Parking up 100 yards from the venue, we walked along the tiny streets to see the pub in all its glory. Stunning old building with a no doubt interesting history.
On entering, we see the bands milling around awaiting to get on stage and play some noise, and this they did. First up, and again first time for us we have Decibel, a 3-piece outfit comprising of Darren, Tim and Pete. As they cruise into their set, it is easy to see the 80’s post punk influence, so many different styles rolled into one to make it their own. At one point, which took me completely by surprise, I thought I was listening to Tool, deep heavy almost goth like noise and the vocals to match. Inklings of Killing Joke springs to mind also. A great set with three very qualified and talented musicians.
After a 2-year hiatus, Spam Javelin amble onto stage, Neil, the singer with his usual 6 foot plus swagger, totally at ease on stage that comes with many years on the road and in the punk scene. A couple of minor tech issues to start with, but soon alleviated when they launch into their fast, loud and inimitable style of ear-splitting noise and vocals. This is one of those bands with a no holds barred attitude to lyrics, if ya easily shocked, go see these, and they will educate you on the realities of life, with a pinch of irony thrown in for good measure. After the initial amp problems, the lads (new bass player by the way) put on a set loved by all judging by the smiles and laughter at some of the lyrics and banter.
Lastly, the ever popular and more and more prolific The Dry Retch. A 4-piece generator of sublime noise, astonishing guitar work, chest cracking bass and drums, and the rasping voice of ya darkest demons. MC5, Stooges and others spring directly to mind when these get going. John on vocals, all the way from some unpronounceable river in the antipodes, to Jaypers doing what can only be described as a one man show on guitar, so reminiscent of Angus, if you’ve seen these, ya get what I’m saying. Dave on bass does what he has always done best, Gaz on drums, as an avid Bonham fan, his style and tempo always take me back to those heavy Zep days. A master at what he does.
So, there ya go, our first visit to The Salty Dog, a cracking venue, well thought layout, excellent bar staff in stunning surroundings. Hats to Chris the sound man, who sorted some little issues out and did a spot on job. Cheers.
Links:
The Dry Retch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDryRetch
Bandcamp: https://thedryretch.bandcamp.com
Spam Javelin:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spamjavelinuk
Bandcamp: https://spamjavelin.bandcamp.com
Decibel:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decibelbanduk