The Creepshow // The Waterfront - 13.08.12
Lenore reviews The Creepshow's gig as they play The Waterfront
PLUS Dying Breeds, Gravedale High
On a sweltering Monday punks and rockabillies alike gathered at The Waterfront to welcome back Canada's The Creepshow and despite being a school night the turn out was impressive.
Norwich boys Gravedale High gave it their all right from the start, tearing into their set and not stopping until sweat was dripping from the ceiling. Being the punkest of the three bands on the bill the five-piece were less 'look' and more music with frontman Adrian throwing himself all over the stage. They were sometimes out of tune but always not giving a shit and consequently were a pleasure to watch.
Dying Breeds on the other hand were polished pop-punk and were almost dismissed as style over substance. With well rehearsed tunes and catchy hooks it would be easy to write these guys off as 'another pop punk band' but as the banter between the two singers started they began to stand out a little more. Backing vocalist Andrew Jeckell was helping out usual frontman Tom Ralphs due to a sore throat and in between tracks the in-jokes and jibes added to their charm – kind of like Blink 182 without the annoying accents. Throw in a song about masturbation, another dedicated to Norwich, a well chosen NOFX cover (“we play this one to get people to like us”) and end on that Milky Way advert (remember? With the red car and the blue car?) and these fellas have big things coming their way.
Punkabillies The Creepshow had played Norwich a few years back and had clearly made an impression. It was clear that they enjoyed playing live and were repeatedly grateful (and surprised) at the turn out, but they also remembered specific fans from their last visit and even played, at one fan's request, a death metal version of one of their songs. Even with new singer Kenda on her first tour of the UK with the band they blasted through their repertoire with ease and passion. Double bass and carnival sounding keyboards added to the retro feel while Kenda's sultry yet feisty vocals had the room rocking and drooling at the same time. No pretensions, a few circle pits and some audience participation demonstrated that these guys (and gal) knew how to put on a great show. Their dedication to fans extended to hanging out with everyone afterwards, posing for hugs and pictures. With it being the last date on the tour they gave it their all and genuinely enjoyed being their. This energetic, punk rock show meant that Tuesday was going to be a tough day for some, but it's unlikely that they cared.
Lenore
