UK Subs, Marksmen & Dogtown Rebels at The Waterfront
Harper turns 70, and looks like he'll keep going for ever.
My penultimate gig of 2014 gets off to a great start with the high energy punk of Dogtown Rebels. Not the most original sound in the world but enough individuality to raise 'em well above punk-by-numbers. (8/10)
Self-proclaimed psycho rockers The Marksmen play cracking rockabilly-meets-punk. Snotty, riotous and finishing with flares firing from headstocks, this was a great set. (9/10)
What can I say about UK Subs that hasn't been said before? Unfairly derided by the punk elite for Charlie Harper's age - he celebrated his 70th this year - and for being cartoons, the Subs play fantastic heavy rock 'n' roll. Yeah, Harper isn’t technically the best singer but he has a righteous bellow. Yeah, on the surface it may seem a basic three chord thrash but listen more carefully. Jet is a great rock ‘n’ roll guitarist. Jamie Oliver (no, not that one) is a hard hitting but inventive drummer. Then there’s Alvin Gibbs, not-so-secret weapon and one of the best bassists in the business.
Songs? Pah, I was enjoying myself too much to take notes, but classics Warhead, Stranglehold, New York State Police, CID and I Live In A Car were belted out with as much energy and venom as ever.
(9/10)
