A night where four bands came together to offer a musical gem of an evening. I am almost lost for words as to just how good a gig this was. Four bands, completely different styles yet who’s presence gelled to the point of purity. A perfect blend of true musical excellence following each other on stage, taking it to musical levels I have not seen in many a year.
Those in the Merseyside area (Editor: and beyond) will be well aware of Mark Murphy, he is a true Liverpool icon in the music scene, various projects, bands etc. Tonight, he played with the brilliant Mark Murphy and the Meds. His latest album being completed during lockdown playing all the instruments, mixing etc, an album. Song after blistering song, sublime guitar work with extraordinary drum work from Jean Michel, an animal on the skins. I have seen The Meds once before, but this set blew me away, Mark’s lyrics giving his take on societal needs and issues blasting out into a sweaty, roasting hot crowd, which all but filled this intimate small venue. The crowd was in the palm of his hands, and fully absorbed by the band.
Mondo Trasho, Self-described as a garage surf band. There’s a huge 60’s influence and they channel the Thirteenth Floor Elevators alongside later influences such as the likes of Echo and the Bunnymen, The Cramps, The La’s and The Dead Kennedys. Rip roaring guitar mixing perfectly with a deep bass line which worked in harmony with drums, and with some amazing keyboard work. Personally, they reminded me of late 60s’s trippy rock outfits, Purple and a bit of Led Zep thrown into the mix. A stunning and mesmerising set with truly superb musicians. A set that yet again had the crowd calling for more.
As we glide on through the evening, temperature getting higher and higher in the room, the one and only The Dry Retch step up on stage. After many reviews of this band, I know what to expect, and yet again we are not let down. Very loud, fast energetic punk rock, bordering on hard core, it is easy to see how this band are progressing. Gig after gig after gig, has seen them become one of, if not the tightest band on the circuit, instrumentally, lyrically and stage presence being second to none. JP on guitar is on magnificent form, Dave’s bass line in tune with Gaz on drums, and of course John’s scintillating lyrics makes this a band that should be headlining festivals. Yet another terrific set by the antipodean chaps, on their never-ending quest to bring us punk rock retchedness.
Finally, as the room temperature reaches its highest limit, a band I saw back in 2018, Bones Shake. A 3-piece outfit from Manchester consisting of a drum kit, one guitar and a voice. If you couldn’t actually see the band, you wouldn’t believe there are only 3 of them. Where do ya start with these. Outrageous guitar skills, incorporating slide with heavy blues riffs throughout the whole set, no let up throughout, changing style and movement to a degree rarely seen. Maestro is a high enough praise for this lad. Astounding performance. The drummer banging the hell out the kit, setting the pace for what was a truly amazing set and finally the singer who made me exhausted just watching him. A massive stage presence that drew you into the sound they were belting out. Incredible energy with a voice to match, bluesy, deep harmonious vocals in beautiful perfect time with guitar riffs and drums. Screaming out rock blues trash fuzzfest sounds that the crowd were just soaking up, dripping with sweat without a break through a set that would see most people drop. Utterly superb set as was expected when I last saw em. It was a privilege to have seen them.
This night will take some beating!
Words: Johnny Reay, Photos: Johnny Reay/Adrian Wharton/Richie Yates
Links:
Bones Shake: https://www.facebook.com/BonesShake
The Dry Retch: https://www.facebook.com/TheDryRetch
Mondo Trasho: https://www.facebook.com/mondotrasholiverpool
Mark Murphy and the Meds: https://www.facebook.com/markmurphyandthemeds
Last Stop Sounds: https://linktr.ee/LastStopSounds
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