Punk DVD reviews

VARIOUS
'A RIOT DOWN THE LANE DVD'
Belfast Punk 1999-2006
Running time 2 Hours 40 minutes
Released December 2006

Pity access to video cameras wasn't quite as easy 30 years ago, coz just
think of all the priceless footage we could've captured. But in this day 'n'
age of 'You Tube' etc. we now have the means to shoot to kill in almost all
environments. And it gives ingenious punk rockers like Billy Riot 'Straight
Out Of Belfast' the tools to capture a thriving punk scene, in its
development from youth clubs, pubs and clubs. This film aint got poseurs
or ego trippers waffling on, although higher profile bands like Goldblade
with John Robb doing his favoured Iggy routine might be pushing the
boundaries. This is 98% homegrown and Oi! flag bearers Runnin Riot
who are currently the citys major export, naturally get the lions share. But
the majority of outfits featured are keen, young and hungry and reflecting
varying degrees of talent, including the Violent Fuckwits whom Billy is
lead singer. This collection features all the prominent punk outfits that are
making a racket or a mess in Belfast today, plus further afield like
Balintoys Man Overbored. Filmed over the last 6 years both on and off
stage, outside gigs, in the street playing football or playing pranks
involving tin foil, its all here. Theres loads of lunatic behaviour and
humour which Bill wasn't sure would translate overseas? But I can put his
mind at ease about that one as this DVD certainly entertained me.
Filmed amidst the most concentrated mohican explosion I've witnessed since maybe Morecambe, this portrayal gives you a real idea of what a local young punk scene is like. What you notice too is that theres no aggro. Everyone seems to be out for a good time, both bands and audience alike which is good to see from a city which has seen its fair share of troubles over the years. Belfast these days has a new generation of punks who seem to be throwing themselves head first into punk in a really big way! I'd compare these clips as the 21st
century equivalent of the highly sort after 'Shell Shock Rock' late 70's TV
documentary that covered the Belfast punk scene over 25 years ago. So
it was good to see Bryan Young from Rudi making it onto this film, all be it
in his greasy rock 'n' roll combo the Sabrejets. From the opening credits
you had a feeling it was gonna be good. With Billy junior ripping up the
titles and a shot of a pair of boots as Runnin Riot perform one of their
better tracks the anthemic 'Were Not Gonna Take it', which sums up the
band completely. Despite 'A Riot Down The Lane's' DIY vibe and some of
Bills arty experiments in the early clips, this DVD will be priceless in years
to come as a lot of these bands have a very short life span, so its already
an historical time capsule for some, but also a brilliant shop window for
the ones who will grow and develop. Musically theres not one oustanding
vocalist most are happy to bawl out the angst but it fits the parameters of
the spiky hordes. 'A Riot Down The Lane' could've only been improved
with maybe more interview footage with the bands coz some of these
characters deserve to be interrogated on camera just to see what makes
'em tick. But for now this 40 tracker concentrates predominantly on the
music, so you cant say theres not enough action which is captured
dilligently. It's good to see all the faces and bands drooled over in Billy's
Fanzine 'Riot On Your Own' bought to life on celluloid. Ranging from the
rowdy to the surreal, check out Roysta's 'Worshipping Satan Since 79'
clip. The speed of the action is fast moving as the camera weaves its way
through the crowd and two fingers get lobbed at the camera lens or the
meek cower in terror. I alway wondered what Giros looked like, and now I
know where to get a pint if I ever hit the Front page. Highlights has to be
the hilarious banter Mr Nipples created on stage before lurching into
crowd fave 'Bollox To The RUC'. The Walking Abortions intense version of the Exploiteds 'Army Life' was total chaos as the band and audience bring a whole new meaning to audience participation. Doghouse playing in front of their shop in the high street was interesting as the buses go past and ex-Defect Buck regaled the passengers. Of course Runnin Riot in their Elvis garb on has to be seen to be believed. Fave performance had to be 1000 Drunken Nights doing 'Beyond Zero' which was great to see just for the pure adrenalin or maybe Bill's attempt to break office windows when he booted the ball into the Belfast stratosphere. Without the luxury of a massive lighting rig and alternate camera angles you will get the innevitable long shots, but it all adds to the decadent ambience of this film. So if you like your punk grimy and gritty then this in your face baby is for you. Films like this make you wanna check out Belfasts punk scene and witness the chaos for yourself. So if your in a band get your arse over there. They love their punk and will react with a fitting responce im sure. Unless of course your totally shite which this ain't! Comes with a neat 'Belfast Punx' Poster created by Darren outta 1000 Drunken Nights infamy too.
RECOMMENDED
�7.00 postpaid anywhere in the world.
5 Glen Road, Belfast.
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