This gig was brought to you by Funhouse and took place at Jimmy’s Liverpool. Last stop Sounds are part of Funhouse! The first time here for us, great downstairs venue, fantastic sound and well laid out with great lighting. Big thanks to Terry for working the door, a true stalwart of the Liverpool punk scene.
After being away for 2 years, The Vermin Suicides opened the evening with a storming set, Anton's vocals as crisp as ever, new bass player settled in brilliantly, Robbo incredible as ever on lead and the mighty Aaron on drums. Great to see the lads back on stage after a long hiatus. This is one of those bands we never tire of seeing, always putting on a great show, sometimes difficult to put into a musical style, as the sings vary, albeit quite subtly throughout the set. Well worth watching if you haven’t already had the pleasure. I’ve seen these many times over the years, watching them grow from strength to strength, both musically and lyrically.
Next up, a band I’d not seen before Museum of Backward Hats. Outfuckingstanding outfit. excellent vocals complimented by very very good guitar and drum work, again, new bass player in Dave, ya would think he had been there forever, superb set, and boss to see Richie on stage for the first time for us. Dunno about you, but even before a band you’ve not seen before start their set, ya just instinctively know they’re gonna be good, might be an age thing, or just an air of professional confidence, either way, that feeling was there before the first note. From start to finish, the instrumentals were spot on, vocals steady throughout complimenting the clever use of lyrics in each and every song. Can’t wait to see these again, hopefully sooner than later.
Finally, the usual fantastic set for our resident band and maestros of mirth n wit The DRY RETCH. Unless you’ve seen em, ya won’t know just how good they are. 4 lads, humble in their skills, exceptionally good musicians, with lyrics to make some blush. John’s blistering vocals catapult you into a world of sometimes darkness, other of joy, fascinating perception of life with and edge not held by many. Gaz on drums looking like an escaped bear, giving it all, smashing the hell out of the skins. One of the best bass players I’ve ever seen in Dave, keeping the rhythm going alongside Gaz, superb talent. Finally, but by no means least, Jaypers on lead. Everyone I know, who has seen the Retch will tell you how impressed they are with him, astonishing string work, he totally zones into a different plain of thought, master showman, one of those guitarists who always stick in ya memory. The man has it all. This band is without doubt incredible.
Small turnout tonight, but every band played with passion and energy as they would to a larger audience, it never ceases to amaze me how bands do this, tis a sign of professionalism and ethos. Always a pleasure, and indeed an honour to be able to attend these nights, whoever said punk is dead, has it totally wrong. There is so much good music out there, local and distant, and its gigs like this that prove it.
Cheers n beers (ciders)
Words: Johnny, Photos: Johnny, RBY, Adrian Wharton
Vermin Suicides Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theverminsuicides
Vermin Suicides Website: https://theverminsuicides.co.uk/
Museum of Backward Hats Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoBHBAND
The Dry Retch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDryRetch
The Dry Retch Bandcamp: https://thedryretch.bandcamp.com/