OTHER HALF, WE BLESS THIS MESS & I SAID GOODBYE
Three great acts put on a great show for a great cause.
Tonight is a community event out on by Drug Store and Community East CIC in aid of the proposed skatepark and skate school in the redundant St Peter Parmentergate church. Well, if I’d ever skated those days would be long behind me but one of favourite bands are playing so here I am.
I like I SAID GOODBYE – a lot – but the last time I caught ‘em was a little underwhelming. At the B2 supporting Wonk Unit, the sound was poor and - perhaps because of that - the band just didn’t seem to click into gear. No such worries tonight. Other than Charlie’s guitar being a touch quiet, the sound is almost perfect. The vocal harmonies are cracking. Drummer Pete (also of Ducking Punches and Millie Manders & The Shut Up) is as great as ever and the bass is punchy as hell. Yeah this was a damned sight better than that set supporting Wonk Unit.
I’ve only seen WE BLESS THIS MESS once and it was… ok. That was a full band set and tonight is singer/guitarist/songwriter Nelson solo. And it is somehow better. Yeah, one person singing over an electric guitar won’t have the same dynamic as two, three or more people playing together but Nelson is a magnetic performer - even when he starts the wrong song! - and there are singalongs throughout his set.
And so to OTHER HALF. What can I say that I haven’t said before? The Half aren’t just one of my favourite local bands but one of my favourite bands full stop. After their set, I overheard another punter say that they are the best band in the country. That may just be a little strong but Other Half are certainly one of the best guitar bands around. Don’t believe me? Well, absolutely storming versions of old faves Shameles Without End, Trance State and Tiny Head and raging newies Jollies and Marxist Mark should be enough to convince anyone with a taste for heavy, alternative, cathartic music. I know I say it almost every time I see them but tonight was the best yet. Absolutely superb.
For more information on the skatepark and school, check out The link here
I never skated but this looks like a fantastic project.
