Two well known local bands, one doing a final gig (before the inevitable reformation gig…) and one more unknown. It proves to be an interesting night at Outpost, full of diversity.
Biteback stomp onto the stage first and its some new stuff and a slightly different sound from them than I’m used to. The new lineup is getting it together fully now and they sound very tight but there’s an additional transformation. Some newer material has a different sound, slightly different from the flat out punk and with an added element of tunefulness that their aggression makes more stand out.
The Midwich Cuckoos are on tour, this is nearly their last date and they should be tired. It doesn’t show. They have an unusual lineup and to accommodate the 6 of them half the band stands well into the audience area. They need the room as their set is full of energy, movement and full on rock star moves. Vocalist Tanzy uses the whole venue as a plaything as she stalks the audience and sings with abandon. The three guitarists (yes three) make a loud stadium level sound and solid bass and drums pin it all together.
The Cukoos have songs to kill for, a big rock meets punk sound and are full of constant musical changes and surprises. Their performance is of experienced rock band level and they make it all seem like fun to be in as well as to watch. They seem destined for larger gigs in the future.
Hummer are strutting it one last time. There are plenty of jokes relating to their reunion tour but for now one of the North Wests hardest working bands has announced they are calling it a day. I actually feel slightly emotional as they crack into their full speed punk attack with bass notes flying everywhere, tight as hell drums and guitar flourishes that only playing so many gigs keep tight. It’s good to end on a high and its been a wild ride for three lads who been friends since school days and are now in their 30s and they crash into their set at Outpost like a band at its peak. If you got to go, go on a high and they do.
Words: Richie Yates, Photos: Richie Yates/Adrian Wharton
Links:
Midwich Cuckoos: https://www.facebook.com/midwichcuckoosmusic