Wonk Unit @ The Owl Sanctuary

A last minute change in set times means I unfortunately miss most of Norwich punk outfit Disgraceful Squids’ set but I did manage to catch the last couple of songs. Their performance is delivered straight as a die - their front man certainly looks the part in tartan strides and braces but he looks awkward and keeps peering at members of the audience when he should have been snarling in their faces. It's not easy to play to a half empty room though so I understand the slightly uncomfortable vibe although there’s a positive response from the crowd. I like their sound, particularly the elements of swaggering guitar and scratchy riffs and the full on assault of heavy drums and chugging bass.

After a brief hiatus to work on other projects, Norwich stalwarts Project Mork are now fully back in the saddle with a new album due out later this year. Their set starts as it means to go on, with a huge workout of disjointed syncopated brilliance. I’m blown away by this complex punk/rock/metal music that constantly changes its time signature and mood, from near silence to a wincingly complex metal guitar solo or a fucking good pounding from the drums. It’s like the bare bones of metal crossed with the intricacies of jazz - quite incredible. It’s impossible to do anything other than mosh to it as no rhythm stays put for more than a few seconds at a time. It’s sludgy, very fast, tight and so full of energy, but not an angry energy, it’s more like the music is driving them along. As is the case with so many great bands, it feels like it's all held together by a piece of string but hangs so beautifully and gracefully as a composite piece, the result of years of practicing together as a band and mastering their own instruments on their own. The room is packed and down with it. Very impressed.

Wonk Unit have sold out tonight’s gig, and after a visit to the Norwich skatepark they’re ready to rock. After a few initial technical difficulties, all taken by both the band and audience in good humour, Alex takes to the stage and off we go. It’s a longer set tonight than they would usually play (an hour), and although he’s jotted down a basic setlist, it’s the crowd who really lead tonight’s song choices, shouting out suggestions which are readily taken. There’s a lot of love in the room for this band, and a positive, party-like atmosphere. Alex is all animated facial gestures and dancing, although he’s not quite at 100% tonight as he’s not too well. The grandiose extroverted Alex I saw supporting Slaves last year he is not tonight, but goddamn it, he’s trying so hard to get through it and give us a good show. By his own admission he’s not feeling the connection with the crowd tonight, but we’re not demanding - we’re just there to hear some great songs and see a band we love. We love his personal introduction to each song, his banter with the rest of the band and the audience, and the way in which, at a Wonk gig, every member of the crowd is made to feel part of the Wonk community - it’s a family affair. We’re treated to some absolute Wonk classics taken from all their albums including Lewisham and Nan. Lucy from their debut album is a romp through 90’s punk rock, a new song from their upcoming album Mr Splashy has a spiky, vitriolic “FUCK YOU” chorus. Kings Road Sporting Heroes is a voluptuous, deliciously rich stompy swagger. My Nagging Wife get the dancing and shugging about finally going. Crowd favourite Horses gets a great cheer but people are still not fully into it - I kind of expected a pit right from the start of this gig, but it really only starts about halfway through, and with a beer and sweat soaked floor, it’s a bit of a danger zone.

Wonk Unit play extremely well. The fact that they’re able to ease straight into pretty much any song from their back catalogue show they know what they’re doing. Go Easy is perhaps the track of the night, encouraging some relaxed crowd surfing - it’s razor sharp but rolls along so smoothly at the same time. During the finale of Je M’appelle Alex, another popular choice for the fans, Alex really starts to struggle, and here endeth the gig, although the band hang around all night on the merch stall, chatting easily with fans old and new. They are top geezers without a shadow of a doubt.

The first time you see Wonk Unit you fall in love with their wit, their humour and their playful attitude. The second time you see Wonk Unit you fall in love with their songwriting skills, their professional attitude to their music and their ability to make everyone feel included. And just all the best love affairs, everytime you see them you discover something new to adore. A very special band indeed.