Posted on February 3, 2010 - by Editor

Static Thought + The Human Project + Company L + Girl Fixer + Section 13

Static Thought © Imelda Michalczyk

So I’m going to start this little review with a little rant. I realize money is sparse and I realize there are many gigs to choose from in the capital. But I have to say that increasingly at times the lack of numbers at punk rock shows irritates me to the core. When the ‘big boys’ come out to play in terms of established bands, everyone is a “punk rocker” down at Brixton Academy but the underground is built on the base of unknown  burgeoning bands and touring bands trying to climb the ladder even in the punk rock world. So please people of London start spending the small amount of money and support your local punk rock bands and those who tour across the shores.

So on that note the first band of the night Section 13 played to a sparse crowd, that even the lead singer joked numbered less than the unlucky number 13 itself and other band members aside, he might not have been far off. The four piece still gave their all and play a fast aggressive hardcore punk rock I’m told is comparable to Dag Nasty and they have some good songs in the set. I really dislike making a decision on a band under these circumstances but their energy and sound is decent enough and the singer jumps into a nonexistent pit towards the end of the set means for endeavor alone I’m impressed.

Girlfixer © Imelda Michalczyk

Next up is Girlfixer who had a sparse crowd experience when I saw them at the City Invasion tour last year. They play a better set I feel and need a bit more variety but play a good show none the less. The singer looks uncomfortable throughout though on the night and the energy stems from the rest of the band and the guitarist in particular but there are catchy hooks and riffs to support the aggressive female vocals.

Company L, the “new” band for Mike Scott has a great fast sound and melodic energy. Mike is sarcastic and self deprecating and the themes surrounding his ex wife seem to spur the set! The addition of a new and talented female guitarist is a change for the band, and although they have yet to release a record, I’m quietly impressed despite some of the tech issues on the night. Their cover of Consumed also goes down a treat.

Company L © Imelda Michalczyk

The Human Project, formerly Nana’s Revenge, play what I would describe as a poppy Propagandhi. They are pretty tight but don’t ever shift the gears in terms of progressing their sound or boosting energy levels through any form of dynamism for me. Again the atmosphere or lack of is partially due to the lack of numbers, but for a band I have seen touted online I expected more. I will refer to what I said earlier about reserving judgment on nights like this.

Headliners and all the way from East coast USA, Static Thought are a band musically, based on their two albums to date, that don’t normally appeal to me and sit in the far more aggressive hardcore genre. With this band, especially after spending a bit of time with them earlier in the night, their message and intent are for me more appealing than the end product in the sound.

On stage at least they deliver, with great positive energy and an approach that many elder bands could be proud of and learn from.  There is a mature focus and drive to the young band that adds a dimension to their presence and inadvertently their sound. They are on a brief stint through the UK and Europe and I’m not sure how successful the tour will be or how they measure that success but if they perform with the same gusto, no accusations of lack of trying can be pinned on the foursome.

Static Thought © Imelda Michalczyk

They have a new record in the pipeline but draw from their catalog of songs (which although only span two records) also spans nearly a decade in time and although the band has seen lineup changes, they are hardcore to their roots but also draw on punk rock and metal and the small crowd is appreciative of their efforts &  performance. Towards the end, singer Eric takes to the front of the stage and patrols up and down; head down and intense while whittling away the final few songs of the night. Whether the band themselves have enjoyed it is tough to say, but they are in a period of transition musically and I can only hope what doesn’t kill them will make them stronger.