| Joe Donnelly was a member of Belfast's the Producers punk outfit, back in the late 70's Northern Ireland punk scene. He's currently still going to gigs, still into punk and contributing articles on punk and it's influence on many web sites. Nihilism On The Prowl is more than happy to get his gig reviews, comments and views on what's happening on the streets of Belfast these days. Here's his latest example... |
| My Passion Gundogs Serpico The Limelight Belfast 26/10/08 Another underage gig another excellent night, only this time with added smudged eyeliner and smeared lipstick. Following on from the mega Anti flag Dublin gig of a few months back this 14+ gig proved to be yet another fantastic night inspired by Spikey Steve. These little blood thirsty urchins are spoiled. I didn't feel too bad about this one though, as there was other oldies scattered around the venue chaperoning just like me. And again just like before all the bands made time to hang around the venue and talk to the kids, no pretentions on show so full marks to them. Its nearly evil halloween and the Queen of the teeny goths (Belfast coven) was here looking very much the part in her best Upstairs Downstairs victorian long dress just waiting to meet her teeny goth Jack the Ripper. Tonights 14+ gig was the turn of US rising stars Kill Hannah to headline, this time in Belfast and like the previously mentioned Anti Flag gig this four band bill blew me away. Each band was different in sound but there wasn't a duff song all night. And I aint telling no porkies, honest guv! I know Nihilisim On The Prowl! is probably not the place to rave about these bands as none of them could strictly be described as punk, but these children of Siouxsie and the Misfits have studied everything good from the glam, punk, post punk, electro, rock eras all us old punks loved back in the late 70's early 80's. I've seen a few of these so called new goth/emo (mark as applicable) bands live over the years like Peaches (nasty girl!!) and My Chemical Romance who started life as a punk band albeit of the american hardcore variety. Also Mindless Self Indulgence whose frontman Jimmy Urine (silly name very punk rock!!) couldn't be anymore like Stiv Bators than he is. There's no denying these bands have a punk attitude. If not possessing a punk sound now they have varying degrees of success. Believe me these faux scary bands can play a blinder and make as much noise as any punk band, so don't just write them off. First up tonight was Al Pacino inspired scots techno rockers Serpico who were the most mainstream of all the acts. A very technical modern rock band with great songs especially 'Kultura' which is a cracker. And an album is due in 2009. They were a great opening act here tonight and are surely destined for bigger and better things? Up next were Gundogs whose duo of female guitarists/vocalists were very striking. I mistook them at first for two very glamourous roadies all ripped fishnets and chain belted mini skirts as they set up their gear. But this four piece band are the closest thing to a punk band here tonight, they were very much coming from the Noo Yawk CBGB's/Courtney Love school of punk and very good they were too. 'Calling Out My Name' is a hit in waiting. Your gonna hear more of this band for sure. Back to the early 80's next with My Passion, who were a right bunch of flash cocky bastards and they could back up all the attitude with a massive sounding set that took me back to the glory days of the Batcave and thursdays at the Camden Palace in London. I'd have given my right bollock to have been in a band like this way back then. The band were a blur of activity darting from all angles across the small stage looking and sounding fantastic.'Hot In The Dolls House' was only one of many highlights in their set. My favourite band of the night . Welcome to Chicago Motherfucker. Fresh from their tour bus fire in Switzerland and looking none the worse for wear Yank glam goths Kill Hannah took to the stage of their first ever Belfast gig. Draped in a pea soup cloud of dry ice sliced by the green laser lights attached to the heads of their guitars, the beams were darting from side to side like a snipers gun sight setting up a target, it looked very impressive. The teeny emos/goths screamed when pretty poster boy frontman Mat Devine complete with Adam Ant eye stripes strolled up to the mic and the band kicked into 'Boys And Girls'. This band have been around the block a few times and you could tell they sounded awesome. They delivered a great set including 'Believer', 'The Collapse', 'Songs That Saved My Life' and finishing with the magnificent 'Lips Like Morphine'. Kill Hannah are a band on top form after months of touring and they were excellent. Wish thay had played their cover version of the Billy Idol tune 'Rebel Yell' though, but hey, you can't have everything! All the bands performing here tonight were top class, their futures look bright! I'm sad to report that most of the retro punk gigs that we all attend would have struggled to compete with these young pretenders. But a great night, don't be prejudiced by old age punk elitism, check out these bands if you get the chance. Joe Donnelly - Belfast 29/10/08. |
 |
| NEW BREED!!! |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |