Hot news! The Fat Cats have invented Punk Swing. No, really. And it's dead good. This five-piece (bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, saxophone) are a genre-hopping delight. At one point, I am convinced somebody's going to get up and start doing The Charleston. At other times, I could shut my eyes and swear I'm listening to Madness's Lee "Kix" Thomson as things get a bit ska 'n' skanky. And they have proper ENDINGS for their songs. No grinding to a shuddering halt for these boys. Hell, no. Proper, worked-out ENDINGS, from which a whole multitude of people could (and should) learn. Only mildly off-putting is the fact that peering through his fringe, the drummer is vaguely reminiscent of an Afghan hound, and in profile, the singer/ivory tickler is a dead ringer for goalhanging ex-Leeds United pie monster Mark Viduka. Spooky.
And so on to Frankie Stubbs, Leatherface main man, here appearing solo with a borrowed acoustic guitar. So this is gonna suck, right? No. Suck it does not. It's bloody marvellous. His customary bellow replaced by something approaching a croon, Stubbs treats us to some old favourites, and in the process reveals that despite suspicions that he may just be the author of some top punk bangers, he is in fact a pretty nifty songwriter. The change in dynamic is hugely endearing. "He bought you flowers / I bought you drink", from "Watching You Sleep" becomes curiously rueful and wistful rather than defiant, while "All I can do / Is try my best for you" from "Not Superstitious" is heartfelt enough to bring a tear to the eye. Stubbs also shows us he's a very able guitarist on "Sour Grapes", and "Dead Industrial Atmosphere" and "Pale Moonlight" are genuine treats. "Pissed in Leeds", Stubbs giggles quietly between songs. "I can't help thinking of a certain cup final". Still a Mackem bastard at heart, then. Come back soon Frankie, and bring the boys with you for some guitars and shouting.
And fianlly, Billy No Mates, the new project of the singing drummer from Snuff. Gordon Smiths cranked up, heads down, let's go! Whoa! Hang on, did we just go back fifteen years? Billy No Mates sound very like Snuff. Except there's five of them, and one of them is the keyboard player from The Fat Cats. There's no daft cover versions, but everything else Snuff is there. They are fast, tight, together, loud and melodic, with occasional four-part harmonies. The kit takes a beating, there's stops and starts, on-stage banter, guitar solos (sadly not quite loud enough) and bass adroitness. For a very enjoyable half-hour, I'm fifteen years younger, on the dole and dodging the Poll Tax. Then reality bites, and I have to go home. Work in the morning. Nuts.
Gig Date: Tuesday, 10th May 2005 | 1,413 page views.
