Faintest Idea
I’ve been trying to get to see Faintest Idea for what seems like ages now but something, usually bad, has always come up to stop that happening. So, having previously suffered a flood and a broken down car, it is with some trepidation that I head to the Waterfront tonight but, with a huge sigh of relief I arrive ok, drop off some tins at the People’s Picnic and Help for Homeless Hounds Norwich collection point and head upstairs to the Studio.
First up are Jake & The Jellyfish. Jake (vox/guitar), Caffs (bass), Derek (violin) and Steve (drums) play a high energy, punk, folk and occasionally ska inflected rock. The sound isn’t great but this is still an enjoyable set that wins me over. Finishing with Jake and Derek leaving the stage and playing the final song unplugged on the dance floor is a crowd-pleasing touch.
Roughneck Riot have been around for over a decade but I have only just discovered them and I was delighted when I found out they were playing tonight. Despite being reduced to a five piece with banjo player Caitlin being absent, Roughneck Riot absolutely rip this place apart and induce some manic dancing (not least from my mate Phil who is, it has to be said, a bit pished) with their fearsome take on folk-punk. Marty bellows with the power of Gogol Bordello’s Eugene Hutz, whilst playing some glorious mandolin. Chris slashes at his guitar like he is channelling Strummer and Jones. Sam’s accordion adds colour and light to the mix. Underpinning it all is the formidable rhythm section of Ryan and John on bass and drums, respectively. Highlights of a thoroughly entertaining set include Fuck’s Sake, Parasites and a new, as yet untitled song going under the working title of F Minor One. Last time Roughneck hit Norwich it was as a four piece, maybe next time it will be with the full band. Whatever, here’s hoping that is sooner rather than later!
And so to Faintest Idea. After the trials and tribulations that have stopped me seeing them before, have they been worth the wait? That is a most definite yes, yes, hell YES. I am fooled into thinking there is an intro tape when the music starts but no, that is Sara (trumpet), Lil Dan (tenor sax) and Bobble (trombone) playing their way from the back of the room to the stage. Once there, it is all systems go for a tumultuous set of ska-punk-hardcore crossover.
On record, bassist Dani’s vocals can be just a bit raw for my tastes but tonight they are more rounded and mellow, whilst still powerful and filled with a righteous rage. Stage left, Jack’s guitar goes from ska’s trademark skaska-ska-ska sound to punchy riffs to searing breaks. Stage centre, the brass section bounce, bop and skank away whilst laying down those life-affirming horn blasts. Behind it all, another Jack anchors it on drums.
Throughout, the audience are dancing away with as much enthusiasm as those on stage. There’s a fair few in from Faintest Idea’s hometown of Kings Lynn and the band are treated like homecoming heroes. Picking highlights from the twenty song set is nigh on impossible but I’ll go for … Back to the Asylum, Circling the Drain, Ouroboros, Bull In A China Shop and Corporation. There are two new songs - Scream in to the Void and Stamping Them Down - which go down (very nearly) as well as the old favourites from the LPs Voice of Treason and Increasing the Minimum Rage.
All in all, this has been a thoroughly enjoyable evening of music that is essentially rooted in punk but is being taken in three different but exciting directions by three different and exciting bands. Oh and props to Faintest Idea for arranging the food collection for the very worthy local causes that are the People’s Picnic and Help for Homeless Hounds Norwich.
