Posted on December 3, 2009 - by Editor

Propagandhi + Protest The Hero + Strike Anywhere

Propagandhi © Imelda Michalczyk

Koko
London, UK
Monday 30th November 2009

On a busy night running between sets and conducting interviews with Propagandhi and Strike Anywhere, add in the Dublin fatigue from the previous weekend’s shenanigans; it’s fair to say I was a tired man for the show!

Koko has also not ever quiet been my favourite venue for a punk rock show, its clean cut, and commercial rock/pop setting lacking the little bit of grime that makes smaller shows that little more punk rock wholesome. Outside on what is the first icy cold night in London’s winter, the line waiting to get in to the venue, despite having pre booked tickets, is a lengthy one and sadly for them a slow moving one as Strike anywhere take to the stage with many still waiting to get in.

Strike Anywhere © Imelda Michalczyk

I last saw the US based band, now with its members spread reasonably far and wide, play London at the Give It a Name festival (a festival with reasonably flaky punk rock credentials) and the setting did not suit the band. Now on the backing of their new record ‘Iron Front’, the band which highlights issues such as police brutality, animal rights and globalization continues their radical left stance with their traditional logo similar to that of the antifascist circle as a backdrop. Thomas Barnet, vocalist for the band, on appearance alone stereotypes the groups stances with his dreadlocked hair whilst the rest of the band is reasonably clean cut.

The newer songs off the latest record include “South Central Beach Party,” “I’m Your Opposite Number,” “Hand of Glory” and “Invisible Colony.” And the crowd although not hyper is impressed by the show and the energy of Strike Anywhere. With their sound melodic hardcore and full of harmonised melodies, a small front section of the fans eagerly sing along at every verse. Thomas takes time during the set to say how they have profound good luck to tour with Propagandhi again before belting into their next song with great vocals and supporting sound from the whole band.

Rody Walker- Protest The Hero © Imelda Michalczyk

Protest the Hero, a band I’m unfamiliar with, but drawing a large crowd themselves on the night, in fact I ran into a few people who were at the show to catch them rather than either of the other longer running bands on the bill. Someone mocked ‘never trust a band that has more t-shirt designs than records’, sadly for me that statement had a lasting impression. It’s not for me to say that the band is poor, as enough kids (and yes I mean that in the age sense) were out to support them and excitedly and enthusiastically so. For me though the post hardcore market is a severally diluted one and a genre that just doesn’t appeal. PTH have creative guitars and at time too much so, extending their skill on their instruments onto protracted solos, for me in an over elaborative irritant way. Not my cup of tea would be a severe understatement.

Propagandhi introduced by the bizarre Black Widow front man Kay Garrett highlighting their occult imagery by stepping inside a rope structured pentagram onstage & accompanied by stage gimp offers the most surreal introductions I have witnessed. Thankfully camp theatrics come largely to an end once the band takes to stage and reminds us why in the opinion of many punk alumni Propagandhi are the most important band in punk rock.

The bands sound has changed considerably through their records, although bassist Todd Kowalski would argue it has come full circle, by returning to more aggressive and metallic punk rock and they on the night they play largely newer material from their past three records. Like stage-mates Strike Anywhere Propagandhi are renowned for that staunch  activism, and anarchist causes and their rhetoric and band principles are hardly ever in questions, with drummer Jord Samolesky dedicating songs to “fucking losers” in the forms of politicians like Gordon Brown and even the new ‘messiah’ Barrack Obama.

On their performance, Propagandhi are a unique band, their hardcore sound expressed equally through presence and determination with frontman Chris Hannah, tonight in sleeveless and physically intimidating presence not necessarily the most vocal between songs, but during them is a  powering presence and his voice although distinct changes noticeably from newer to older material.

The mid song banter is dominated by the jester-like bassist Todd, whose humour goes down like a lead balloon, even

Chris Hannah - Propagandhi © Imelda Michalczyk

mocking his own lack of ability, but his intensity and energy during songs more than makes up for this folly. Backed by the impressive Jord on drums, powerful and explosive, really driving the machine that is Propagandhi. And let’s not forget the most timid but equally talented David Guillas on rhythm guitar and keyboards, offering the creativity and texture to the sound.

Running through their set list the band play songs such as ‘Banger’s Embrace’ , ‘Without Love’, ‘America’s Army’, ‘I was a pre-teen McCarthyist’, and ‘Purina Hall of Fame’. The crowd equally appreciative throughout, and all songs receiving bursts of raucous cheering and then throwing themselves into ensuing circle pit.

With the set lasting a tad over the hour mark, Kay Garret is invited back on stage for the band to lead a live rendition of a song they have covered previously ‘Come to the Sabbat’ with Kay leading chants of “Come, come, come to the Sabbath. Come to the Sabbath – Satan’s there.”

As the finale draws to a close, the band makes their appreciation and thanks known to the crowd for their support, even Todd enthusing that someone may have mentioned London crowds are a bit stand offish (my bad). Well not tonight and Propagandhi bid adieu with ‘Dear Coaches’ Corner’ and classic ‘Anti-Manifesto’.