The Bellrays

There are few things finer than a Friday night gig at Norwich Arts Centre. Even though winter appeared to have made a return, after a long tiring week at work the prospect of a few beers, some good company and three kick ass rock ‘n’ roll bands was all the incentive I needed to leave the home comforts behind. Arriving to find a disappointingly small turnout was a shame, but that was soon forgotten as Beast With A Gun kicked off proceedings. A garage punk trio from Great Yarmouth, they did a fine job of warming up us early arrivals. Featuring two guitars (no bass = sob), one fashioned from a cigar box, and a drummer who seemed to be as adept at dropping his sticks as he was playing the kit, their ramshackle racket was very entertaining. With between song raps delivered in a US drawl and a relaxed approach to their set, they seemed fully at ease at this their first Arts Centre show. Good Stuff.

The next band were Los Pepes from London. Cursory YouTube research had heightened my expectations and they completely delivered on that promise. Self-described as the ‘Motorhead of powerpop’ but with liberal doses of the Saints, the Sonics and Status Quo they immediately elevated the evening, their greater experience showing. They may not win points for originality, but they had the sound, they had the rock ‘n’ roll poses and they had the all the necessary attitude needed to carry off this sound convincingly. I get used to watching some meek, apologetic supports but this was a lesson in confidence. The guitarist/singer may have looked like he was in a different band to the other guys, but they all played their part and the drummer in particular was absolutely brilliant. WIth a bunch of European shows lined up I have no doubt they will impress every audience they play in front of and they left the stage to loud applause.