Friday night and me first gig of the year for me. We are back in the Salty Dog and what a great venue. Unfortunately due to the travelling late we arrived just before Last seasons winners finished, the song and a bit I heard did intrigue me with the hardcore style so will try and check them out soon.
Next up its Harijan, been listening to these for absolutely years and last saw them maybe 16 odd years ago. Their debut album released late 2020 and is one of the best ska punk album to come out of the UK in ages. Their music is their own blend of ska, punk and dub that makes them extremely unique. We open up with Downer and what a way to start the show, heavy guitars and a gorgeous tone on the bass before we switch to their ska sound. Mike’s distinct vocals stand strong over the music as we are treated to fast songs like Paranoid, a more relaxing Deconditioning from the last album as well as a brand new song.
The twin guitars really come across well mixing between lead and rhythm, heavy and clean, no matter which combination they are doing it’s a well oiled machine and they deserve some mention. The horn section is adds their flavour in just the right amount, lovely lines and present where the song suits it perfectly. Two songs left and straight into Portland street which is delivered with pure passion and even more energy and on the album, this is one of those songs that really highlights all the members and their unique style, and the two guitarist really show us how amazing they are. Last one takes me back to mid to late 2000s and was the very first song I heard by them and the one that got me hooked, Curriculum Vitae.
These are definitely a band to catch and the album is available via Bandcamp or on TNS Records and its highly recommended.
Cowbells, Pina colada, multicoloured hot pants and references to movie posters. The kings of the uk Ska Punk scene are next. Another band I have been listening to for ages, seen a lot of times across the years its Random Hand. Their blend of ska punk metal has been blessing our ears for 20 years now. Opening up with ‘Tales of Intervention’ the whole place erupts with huge energy. Bright trombone, heavy guitar and bass and some of the finest drumming I have heard. on vocals, Robin switches effortless between playing trombone and singing the songs which is no mean feat and I wondered how he has time to breath. Its worth noting that as well as killing it on guitar Dan is also wearing the brightest most multicoloured hot pants ever. ‘Pack It Up’ stands out early in the set as this shows off just good this band is, with a great blend of ska with metallic punk and the harmonies that Joe and Dan add to the mix. We are treated to a great mix of songs from their back catalogue such as ‘Floating Ghosts’, ‘Bones’ and ‘Abide’.
There is much random and funny banter coming from Robin, this includes the discussion about how good Sean’s cowbell is to which it was decided it’s the best cowbell ever and adds a lovely extra dimension to songs like ‘3 from 6’. A very nice bonus is that ‘Lifejacket' was played for the very first time live ever, and it didn’t disappoint nor did the news that we are in for a new Random Hand album.
Its not really a Random Hand show without learning something new and that is that Northwich has a Pina Colada festival in honour of Rubert Holmes though we didn’t get to hear that song.
'Cycle’ was another new track played and though there was some technical difficulties on the bass they powered through none the less. Having never shied away from topics such as mental health, Devils little Guinea pig sends a powerful message to anyone suffering and the crowd sings their heart out on the bridge. Last but not least it’s the classic Play some Ska and its still as good as when it was first recorded. Having seen them loads of times over the years and know just how energetic the shows are I have to mention just how amazing the drumming from Sean was.
Words: Terry Foster, Photos: Adrian Wharton/Terry Foster/Richie Yates
Links:
Random Hand: https://www.facebook.com/randomhand
Harijan: https://www.facebook.com/harijanuk