CLOWN SMASH EVERYTHING, SETTLEMENTS, GLITCHERS & VAST SLUG
I’ve said before that Clown Smash Everything combine the very best elements of hardcore, metal and desert rock.
CLOWN SMASH EVERYTHING, SETTLEMENTS, GLITCHERS & VAST SLUG 14.10.21
More or less two years since their last gig, Norwich’s hardcore dandies Clown Smash Everything are back but they don’t do anything by halves. For the miserly sum of six quid, there’s not one, not two but three supports and not a poorly cephalopod in sight.
With the drum machine set to stun, Vast Slug deliver a set of industrial-gabba-thrash-core. Sharing vocalist Ed with the mighty Nervewrecker, their sound is rooted in the most extreme end of UK hardcore and grindcore but adds in the mechanical sounds of the likes of Pitchshifter, Godflesh, Head of David. With the longest song clocking in at two minutes – and, for all I know, that could have been a medley – this is a shockingly intense and brutal blast of fetid air. The vast majority won’t get it, the band no doubt would have it no other way. Me? Well I wanna see ’em again as soon as possible.
Glitchers are a two piece that specialise in guerrilla gigging, just turning up in a town or city centre and playing for donations. From what I can gather tonight is a rare indoor appearance for them and they kill it. This is sleazy, turbo-charged garage rock ‘n’ roll, recalling the likes of the Cramps and Stooges but with the heaviness of Sabbath and anarchy of Flux of Pink Indians. Glorious.
After that opening brace, I don’t quite know what to make of Settlements. Part of me absolutely loves what they do whilst part of me.... doesn’t. The fuzzed up bass, heavy, complex drum patterns and slight hints of the Cardiacs are right up my street, the arena rock meets anthemic indie guitars and vocals less so. Don’t get me wrong, Settlements are clearly talented, enthusiastic chaps and I’ll definitely check ’em out again when I can but they don’t quite hit the mark for me.
Now there are no such issues with Clown Smash Everything. Before the set, guitarist Jay was bouncing around like a hyperactive puppy on speed, just desperate to get on stage. Once CSE do get going, it is a full on assault. Jay doesn’t stop bounding. Vocalist/guitarist Gav may theoretically be anchored to to the mic stand but moves almost as much as Jay. Rhythm section of Peters (bass) and Zak (drums) anchor it all with high energy style.
I’ve said before that Clown Smash Everything combine the very best elements of hardcore, metal and desert rock. Tonight ups the intensity level but there is still the swing and swagger that lifts CSE above many of their contemporaries. Fast, intense, heavy and dark, there is a joy here too. The Bombs Are Getting Closer is a fantastic debut LP. On tonight’s showing, what comes next will be even better.
