Subculture – the Return Live on 18th June 2011 at The Racehorse, Northampton

So after a journey from hell through torrential rain I arrived at The Racehorse in Northampton for the First gig by Newly reformed Subculture, who after recording 3 tracks recently for their ‘From Herbert Street to the 100 Club’ CD enjoyed it so much they decided to do it live!!

So on arrival a quick chat to a few familiar faces and then at 9.30 Subculture took the stage for the first time in 27 years haha, seems bizarre when you think of it as being that long but fuck it.

So not wanting to have to make notes as to my thoughts as I went along I decided to record the whole set, and here are my thoughts.

As the familiar tones of Nicky Tesco and the Members sound of the suburbs faded into the dark it began, “Good evening we are Subculture and well start with GIVE UP BOYS One of my favourites.

The sound was good and well balanced with all instruments being heard, so that’s a good start and from the off the Gathered audience was enjoying themselves, Peters voice has matured and has abit more depth and Gravel than when he was a wee boy, Dean (guitar) was as slick and precise as I remember with his trademark guitar sound in tact and Phil (bass) was smiling!!! Which I haven’t seen him do in a live situation for sometime, good to see him back behind that Fender Precision and as always Matt (Drums) powerful and steady slamming them skins for all he is worth. Great rendition of the song with added passion and life.

Next up was WORKING CLASS KIDS Dean came straight in giving Peter no opportunity to chat between songs haha, another great song I think slightly better than the original with some added feeling and power.

As peter tries to introduce the next song the Dj interrupted with the original theme from University challenge which has relevance to there song university city funny but as the next song is BETTER THAN YOU was wasted really? Shame, still back to the song, better than you after Peter’s intro of the song it ploughs in full of sneering Oi goodness, backing vocals on the songs this one included from Phil and Dean add extra power and makes you wanna join in.

Next up FIVE MINUTES OF GLORY what a great song this is slightly slower and a different rhythm make this stand out from the others add to that the Lyrics and you have a winner, first time I have heard Peter sing this one and it worked well, he looked a little uncomfortable in parts as I think the vocal pitch in parts is not what he is used to but with some practice it will be stonking, love the solo, love the bridge and even loved Peters apology for making a mistake haha

UNIVERSITY CITY next and by now you can visibly see Peter is LOVING this he is moving about, mic in hand, face screwed into a venomous sneer as he spits out the angst laden lyrics one minute then a large cheeyy grin the next, this one got those gathered joining in with the catchy chorus, again well played another cracking Dean solo and Peters best performance so far

VOICE OF THE YOUNG next which was introduced by the old fuckers Phil and Peter with a cheeky grin and a laugh, here you see how far peter has moved on I remember that when he used to sing this it was painful to listen to, high pitched and out of tune haha but now he has control and shifts his voice to each segment well, much more power and depth loved it.

Next up a new song for Subculture a reinvention of LEBANON the old Out of Nowhere song, I gotta say I liked this version its very Punk haha and is a different direction for Subculture with an aggressive guitar rhythm and dual vocal sections, again a few more live renditions and this will be another Gem, good stuff and the drum roll end Nice.

ROGUE TROOPER next again benefits from the mature power of Peters voice now and with the powerful backing of the 3 boys its another success, watching them you can see they are genuinely enjoying themselves especially Peter haha who is really relishing the whole thing.

So to the last Subculture song dedicated to Tom Hipkin the first Subculture singer a nice touch I thought, this is still one of there Golden moments a well written and arranged song, with a simple Singalong chorus and guess what yes people did Singalong this one just rolled off them like water off a ducks back, they owned this song tonight is all I can say and I must say peters version of the stick togethers in the breakdown near the end were spot on in front of deans great guitar riff.

So they ended with 2 covers the first Career Opportunities a good song and they did a good rendition but not for me would of rather had another Subculture song and to finish in the words of Peter Matthews last night “people say we sound like the Fuckin Cockney Rejects so we will do the Cockney Fuckin Rejects” ‘Edbanger!! An unusual choice of Rejects song but fuckin brilliant, needs some practice if they are gonna continue doing it but if they need to do a cover I would say do this one.

So as the theme to University challenge fills the air once more the band depart the stage and the satisfied gathered crowd return to the bar or outside for a fag.

My final thoughts are, well done Boys for a first live gig together in 27 years not too shabby, in fact I would go as far to say it was Quality,  yes there were a few little mistakes, and Peter was a little apprehensive to begin with and yes a lot of those gathered were friends and family, and the true test will come when they play to a audience who they are not familiar with, but I think they will be enjoyed by many and it will only get better with more gigs and a few more new songs, they were having fun and that was felt by those watching this is not a come back cash in, this is people who loved what they did doing it again for the right reasons and I for one have no problem with that.

Next gig for Subculture is Friday 24th June at The Pitz, Milton Keynes with English Dogs, the Mighty Citizen Keyne and R.S.I, which if I didn’t already have a prior engagement I would go, so if your free and can get to Milton Keynes go and have a listen. Ok right I am off now to start running off a few copies of this Bootleg Live CD for Ebay not sure whether to call it “27 years later live” or “No Sheep Squad till Northampton”

These are the thoughts Of

Woodstock Punkrock

There is a certain sense of vulnerability to performing solo with only a guitar.  TV Smith's (Tim Smith) fuel-inspired lyrics are penned directly from his personal experience with the delivery and tactful diplomacy that produces a distinctive nuance of emotional intelligence.  I don't think this style is 'folk' punk by any stretch.  Further, unlike most bands with obvious screaming angst, Tim's approach is reflected more in a civil anger, with a definitive grit you standardly get from folk qualities. Effectively translating from chorus to verse, he projects a quiet strength.  His lyrics articulate the human condition; transcending melancholy to a more universal level as he dispenses an uncomforting  delivery of songs.

Giving a personal voice to the disenchanted, Tim's wordsmithing exercises a vocal angst that connects and captivates the audience synonymously.  To me, it's personal.  Somewhat disenchanted by the economy myself, it's no secret I am among them.  Tim's selection of verse, subject matter maligned with genuine passion, is quality--and exclusively his own.

In the formative years with the Adverts and with The Explorers, Tim has always maintained this exuding natural state of resilience. Gaining popularity by the unpopular, he touches on topics such as exposed government hypocrisies, wealth mismanagement, and life's struggles with poetic verbal protests.



Fast forward to The Black Cat in Washington DC.  I have made my way to one of the 'back' rooms where TV Smith is to perform.  Just in time, as the lights dim and Tim appears.  His slim physique stands solitary in bleached jeans and T-shirt with the words stamped in front, "Unknown Destiny."  With only one beam of light, all eyes are on him.

Jumping in on the second song, "Not In My Name," Tim projects a raspy defiance that rolls in waves of proclamation.  As the solemn tune makes its way to the chorus, it is the source of anthemic disgust. Transcending into a 'Joe Strummer' plodding back-beat, Tim's steady guitar-strums are hard; crooning about big brother encroaching on an individual's privacy.  Poignantly, he ends the song accapella, "Why do I have to show my I.D.?" with the last verse trailing off with, "...You can't resist what you can agree... ."  

With only a slight pause for applause, he pushes into the beginning of, "Bring The Bull Down."  A chunkier tune, he articulates each verse with each guitar strum-beat.  The verse rolls into a heavy wave of guitar crescendo.  Tim's stomp in defiance on the beat just before the chorus is right on queue.  The almost shouting melodic chorus in, "Bring The Bull Down," with suddenly a change with overlapping consistent strHe manages to keep the intensity in tact as the bridge is fiercely delivered.  Words are strung to the second bridge--which consists of four bars of guitar strums that build on sound to the third verse.  The memorable chorus resonates throughout the room as the song ends right there.  [Note: However, I was a bit disappointed that the Triangle instrument was eliminated for this live version as it gave a sense of finality.]



There's a strange silence as the soft-swept guitar strums are under Tim's clean diction in, "The Lion And The Lamb."  Each verse ends in short, slicing-cuts through the melody.  You can hear a pin drop.  The swelling chorus ascends into somber guitar-strums insulating the steady cadence.  Reflecting a sense of singularity in, "Now you sparkle in the mud/Like a diamond in the rough/Ready for the cut, Ready for the cut/Some stay dull, Some stay blunt/But you will shine," the steady cadence is almost hypnotic.  Additional strums are added to the crescendo--striking down on chords.  As a highlighted guitar melody emerges, Tim's eyes are closed.  Acting as the absent drum-beat, he stomps his foot in time resounding with a hollow thump.  Unifying the chorus, there's a lingering pang in the ending fade.

Tim gives a verbal intro, "This next song makes us forget who we are... but what we can't afford...who can and who cannot,” just before the beginning of, "It's Expensive Being Poor."  The steady guitar opens the song as Tim heaves forward anticipating the next beat.  In higher registered vocals, there is a ying-yang of fragility and an unnerving undercurrent of raw-to-the-bone in his tone. 

He doesn't falter at the bridge.  His vocals are more animated as they gradually become sharper and louder.  Gliding through the crescendoed chorus of, "Knocking on a bolted door/It's expensive being poor/Someone throw me down some crumbs/I will eat them off the floor/It's expensive being poor/But I look good when I get desperate."   Further, as the song crests, soft strums emerge to the end.  This song really got the attention of the younger crowd, and for me, it is one of my favorite songs.



With a dark glint in his eye, Tim introduces, "The Lord's Prayer," opening with stomps on the beat. [note: 'The Lord's Prayer was initially written for Lords Of The New Church.]  Keeping in time, he stomps with more impact. The memorable verse comes off sardonic in, "I ain't comin' save yourself, This is the Lord's prayer," that ends in a massive crescendo jumping an octave in vocals.  The final chorus repeat is shouted, "I ain't comin' save yourself!" leaving me with chills.

Next up is, "Generation Y," a poignant wound of melancholia.  Ensuring the message is understood, it is evident that Tim dispenses a lyrical visual by making a great effort in emphasizing each word.   In perfect rhythm and diction on every 'plunk,' the trudging beat pushes through words lapsing, then rising to the bridge.  After each concluded verse, Tim takes a deep breathe, heaving forward and then rocking back.  Throwing his energy into the swell, it slowly ends in a bruised accapella.

Following the ending, the audience appears somewhat bitch-slapped as the room is quiet.  With no reply, there is a reprieve of silence before the ensuing claps.  Ah, that's what I like about these lyrics--they will make this noticeably young crowd THINK. 

Without hesitation Tim begins, "In The Arms Of My Enemy," off of his latest CD.  In a Spanish/Flamenco-styled guitar influence, this song shows an evolving sense of maturity.  There are faster strums in continued succession, and the vocals are more passionate on chorus.  Further, by the end of the second verse, Tim throws himself into the thick of--whistling the entire melody which is subsequently not a short stint.  The last verse closes with deeper chord strums and fading, as someone from the crowd shouts a proverbial, "Yeah!" with his fist waving in the air.  In agreement, the audience claps loudly.

The opening band, Jay Reatard, now joins Tim with the encores. This is where the energy shifts to a more spontaneous set.  With glowing faces and all eyes on stage, the classic, "Bored Teenagers," crashes in a barrage of choppy electric-guitar mayhem.  Tim is leaning into the audience as Jay's guitar twiddlings blur most of Tim's vocals.  No worries--90% of the audience is bobbing along with the hard-hitting cymbals followed by big claps.

They were just warming up as, "Gary Gilmore's Eyes," breaks into frenetic, staccato verses in a faster beat which has me pogoing a bit between my writing.  Jay inserts an electric riffage and the crowd gets it as the ending drumbeats are followed by a cymballed crash--classic!

In one chord and one shout, the last encore slams right into, "One Chord Wonder."  By the time the bridge is played, Tim is whirling about on stage and Jay's curly locks are flailing along with his rocking riff.  With Tim belting, "We don't give a damn!" the energy crests into the grand finale.  Delivering, Jay layers a slew of guitar wreckage.  Moreover, ending the show perfectly, Tim exclaims, "I am proud to be called a punk and to have been when punk started," before leaving the stage with the audience in big claps and a roar of shouts.

Reviewed by:  Jillian Abbene (LIC), Balt/Washington DC/Richmond
RIP Jay Reatard:   January 13, 2010

Another day, another roadtrip, another town, another gig, another excuse to have a party!

Fresh from playing at The King Edward VII in Norwich on the evening before, we loaded up the moosemobile with guitars, amps, gizmos and 'for-the-trip' sustainence. We had a bit of a false start as my sat nag wouldn't recognise the postcode and despite much teasing and cajouling it continued to behave like a three year throwing a tantrum refusing to do as it was told so a short sharp slap to the back of legs was executed with a rolled up journey plan printed off by one Mr Woodstock PunkRock curtesy of the Royal Automobile Associations site on the tinter web.

The journey was reasonably uneventful (thanks to Woodstock for sharing the driving!) and the most stressful part of the whole trip was touring round Bradford trying to find the Hotel...

[Must add at this point - JURYS INN HOTEL, BRADFORD - what a place to stay. In the city centre, convenient multi-story carpark within spitting distance and if you get your parking ticket endorsed by the hotel you get a decent reduction on the cost of parking too - the staff were extremely helpful; the rooms were of a very decent quality; and the price (they do special weekend rates but only if you book on line or phone the central number) of £40 per room per night and that includes a buffet breakfast that has everthing from cereals, fruit, yoghurt, toast and pastries to a proper english breakfast and its an all you can eat affair too!) plus they have a late bar and a late light snack menu that's just what the doctor ordered for the aging ones amongst us where the only thing after a gig is a cup of tea and some toast! - Rock n Roll!!)

...where was I before I allowed myself to get side-tracked - oh yeah, trying to find the Hotel - which we did obviously!

After some time spent unpacking and unwinding from the journey, we went off to find some nourishment (by this stage the Buxtonl branch of the Destruction Crew was in train) and a mere 27 paces from the front door of the hotel was an "ALL YOU CAN EAT CHINESE BUFFETT - £10 per head(well just under).Nuff said!

Sated and refreshed it was off to find the venue which was literally round the corner (or two) from the hotel.

We arrived at the venue as the headline band were going through a bit off a sound check (around 19:10 or ten past seven in old money!!) The sound guy made me chuckle he reckons PUNK BANDS are far easier to work with as they set up; get up; get on; play; get off - much easier to work with than techno bands allegedly..,

Fungal was "doing the door" with the family there too. All the bands appeared to be there. So as 19:30 approached (official kick off time for this smorgesboard of the choicest cuts of prime punk rock) the first band took to the stage and we were off and running!



5 new bands to add to the list from tonights gig - 1 of which Born To Destruct had been due to play with on a couple of occasions but for varying reasons this had not happened, until tonight anyway.

The first of the five first timers - FIRING BLANKS

A band from Chesterfield - appearing as a three piece (later it was announed that the singer/sax player was missing) which was interesting to note as a couple of the songs before this was mentioned sounded a bit 'lacking'. But being fair to the band they gave their all; what they played was energetic, entertaining ska influenced punk with a dash of reggae chucked in for extra spice all done with a smile on its face and a bounce in its step. Definitely a band to see again - if they were this good as a trio then its odds on they will be a damn fine listen when at full strength. This lot are the sort  know how to get a party started and they did themselves, Fungal and those gathered together in one place to witness this homage to the underdog, proud indeed! On show tonight

FIRING BLANKS

James - Guitar/Vox
Tom - Bass & B/Vox
Stevo - Drums

the missinig member being Rory who is responsible for vox & saxaphone

for more info about the band ->
http://www.facebook.com/pages/firing-blanks/112641934322?sk=info

KERPLUNK  another young band again from Chesterfield. Another trio although this time thats what they are! I was struck by the bands energy and drive and although they played a shortish set what they delivered they did extremely well.

The sound for the first song wasn't great - the guitar was definitely a bit thin - but a few tweaks by the maestro at the sound desk sorted that and from the second song onwards things were fine. GREAT PUBLICITY STUNT; LIFE STORY; & THE MANIFESTO stood out for me. They even had the confidence to throw in a NOFX cover. It is good to see young bands play with passion and enjoyment however much the underdog scene struggles, whilst there are bands coming through then the fight will continue.

KERPLUNK

The band is;
Owen - bass & lead vocals
Hope  - guitar & vocals
Adam - drums

for more info about the band ->
http://www.facebook.com/KerplunkOfficial

TOTAL CONFUSION - Now what ever one says about this band they cannot be said to be in the first flush of youth (approaching 48 myself I feel qualified to make statements like this!)

HOWEVER, what these Barnsley boys lack in youth they more than make up for in experience and full on, in yer face, delivery. I love the full fat sound, there is a great amount of energy unleashed during a performance. An absolute treat and delight.  The sort of band that if they are on the bill then it will be a good night - they are doing it for all the right reasons - high amongst these is the pure joy of performing - coz trust me at 'our' age that is the only reason for doing what we do!  A great bunch of musicians and a darn fine collection of blokes! The set was

CHAOS 2000AD
DEATH TO ALL
AT DAWN
ANGER MANAGEMENT
FOR WHAT
BLINDED
JUST ANOTHER TUESDAY
WARHEADI'M AN UPSTART
TOTAL CONFUSION!

It's hard to pick a favourite out of that lot so I shall endure the splinters from setting on the fence, because there was not a bad song in that list even the covers were worthy interpretations of the originals. I shall be looking out of these guys again and if we get the chance to play with them in the future that would be rather cool!


TOTAL CONFUSION

The band is
Suti - Vox
Casp - lead guitar
Blower - drums
Paddy - bass
Pat - rhythm guitar

BORN TO DESTRUCT  that would be us then. We had a blast! What a venue! We had a fantastic night and whilst a few more people in to watch ALL the bands would have been nice, we got the chance to see 5 bands we had never seen before and listen to some great music. 

A chance to meet some new friends and some old - great to see some of the Mardi Gras Bombers were in town along with a couple of the Most Likely To Fail boys. As it is impossible to review our own performance have a decko at what the man himself - Fungal Punk - had to say about us!

"I have seen Born To Destruct a few times now but never in this state. With a new Moose loose, and a young lass absent it was Woodstock at the helm providing string and vocal duties.

I liked the band as they were but can't help admitting I prefer this new layout. Fatter, firmer (ok I exaggerate – flabbier) and with more 'in yer face' noise this made a greater immediate impact and had me admiring from the back. Woodstock certainly rattles his vocal chords and was backed by 3 steady players who are gaining in confidence all the time.

New dude Moose Man looked very settled and like a dog with two dicks seemed to enjoy the whole set. 'Bollox' swung low and hard with choice inflection and 'Nothing' rung true and ached with effective bitterness and restless rage. The people in the band are quality, the noise they make very much the same and still they struggle on - very much an Underdog tale I hear too often. 20 paying punters watched them in Norwich, 18 paying punters tonight - yet if they supported Rancid or the like for £20 on the door a few more may take note - totally and utterly ridiculous - your idea of punk is very much dead!  Loved it and wanna do it again – preferably to a rammed room – hey ho. 

Full points to the bassist and drummer tonight who really are settled in to their roles – although I reckon the bassist needs check out ‘ShortsRus’ and get some that suit his legs ha, ha.  Lovely people nonetheless!"

Read the full review - http://www.fungalpunknature.co.uk/FUNGALPUNK/SAS/SASReviews/16Apr11BradordZuu.html

Our set list was;
WASTED - FLYIN - BOLLOCKS
NOTHING - dedicated to all bands who have played to no punters!
THIS IS NOT
MR DISEASE
ROADTRIP
BORN TO RAISE HELL
ORDINARY MAN
JILL VALENTINE
EMPTY
WELCOME TO THE MAD HOUSE


BORN TO DESTRUCT The band tonight was;
Woodstock Punkrock - Guitar & Vox
Dr Stu (Bass, B/Vox And Dodgey Shorts!)
Demolition Rich (Drums)
Moose (Guitar)

Last but one - SENSELESS. Finally - they have been on the same bill as us on a couple of occasions but the fates have decreed that this was not to be so it was good to finally catch these guys. Were they worth the wait. Hell yes. A tight musical unit, this power punk trio know their stuff! Full on, balls out, in yer face, explosive punk rock of the finest quality. Definite shades of FLAT BACK FOUR about this lot. Thoroughly enjoyed the set. They got an excellent reception which was rightly deserved.


SENSELESS

Last but by no means least - SEWER SUCKERS - they say leave the best till last. Again full on, in yer face delivery the twin guitars providing the drive and the heartbeat of each song. The drums were solid supporting and complimenting as they should. Issues of a "technical" nature did cause some problems with the bass.

A couple of times leads became dislodged leading to frantic action from the sound guy and the bands other guitarist. It is safe to say as the bass player seemed to get more mellow the same could not be said of the other gutarist who appeared to be getting increasingly frustrated at proceedings on the far side of the stage.

Still this added extra edge and spice and these techicalities aside this was a great performance from a storming band! The great shame was by the time they took the stage - the scheduling of public transport meant a number of the crowd had to leave before the band palyed, add to that a few more that had long journeys to make, the number left watch was on the thinnish side (mind you with me in the crowd thin is not a word I would use!) But those who stayed were richly rewarded with some fine, fine music.


SEWER SUCKERS

The band is
Gary - Guitar vocals
Jonny - Guitar vocals
Gaz  - Bass
Carl and Paul - Drummers (not sure which on the night)

A fitting way to bring an excellent night to an end. Yes more punters would have been nice, but there was a COCKNEY REJECTS gig in town the previous evening so one would be safe in assuming that a lot of people went to that. I am sure they had a good time. But for a fraction of the price they could have also seen another half dozen fine bands the next evening and made it a proper punk weekend. But people will do what they do, and at the end of the day its a personal choice thing!.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE INVOLVED IN MAKING THIS GIG HAPPEN - The bands, The Venue & its Staff, all those that came to support and watch, and to FUNGAL for being the upright dude he is. I know he left feeling a little dejected at the number of attendees amongst other things but I can assure him that we had a mighty fine time and for us it was worth the treck from Cambridge just to have the opportunity to play on a FUNGAL gig.

Here's to the next time we meet!

Respectfully Submitted by

A Man Called Moose