Bob Vylan
Despite being a sell-out, the place isn’t exactly heaving when OTHER HALF take the stage. Now, this is disappointing given just how good this trio is and the brilliance of debut LP Big 20 and tonight they are on fire. Cal’s caustic howls and squalling guitar, Sophie’s thunderous bass and tortured shrieks, Alfie’s pounding drums are all taken to another level. It isn’t just noise and spite, though. The likes of Tiny Head are properly good songs with holleralong choruses. If you haven’t already, go buy Big 20 then go see Other Half.
Based on minimal research, I was expecting WITCH FEVER to be 90s style riot grrls but this was an unholy collision between punk, post-punk, grunge and metal. Alisha’s guitar has more than a hint of Geordie (Killing Joke) Walker and Keith (PiL) Levene about it. Vocalist Alex’s occasional raps bring Asian Dub Foundation to the party. Powerful and heavy, Witch Fever is definitely a band to watch.
Taking to a stage in Norwich wearing an ITFC shirt is either very brave or very foolish. Bobby, BOB VYLAN’s vocalist and all-round aggravator, pulls it off. It helps that Bobby is a thoroughly charismatic performer.
Mixing Bobby’s vocals with Bobbi’s live drums, the set up recalls Swiss industrial legends The Young Gods but the music combines old school punk with grime, grinding hardcore guitars with experimental hip-hop noise. Songs like I Heard You Want Your Country Back and Northern Line come on with the intensity of Discharge jamming with Death Grips. Imagine Ho99o9 with more – and better - songs and you’ll not be too far off. Bobby’s between song patter is entertaining and is, for the most part, gives a welcome injection of lightness from the justifiably rage-filled social commentary of the lyrics.
During the cathartic dose of righteous anger that is We Live Here, the majority of the audience eagerly accept the invitation to join the duo on stage. It is a suitable closer to an intense set. Kudos to the security for letting it happen.
If I am absolutely honest, I am still not wholly comfortable with the gig environment. I certainly won’t be diving in the mosh pit anytime soon (if ever again) but I needed this soooo much. The Waterfront’s management have done their best to make this as safe as possible. The three bands played blinders. This gig, plus the NAC’s Pysch Fest and Ohhms at Voodoo Daddy’s last Sunday, have done more for my mental balance than I could have imagined.
