176 Records are probably my favourite promoters in the UK's
DIY punk scene. They consistently put on friendly, welcoming shows with some of
the best line-ups around. Friday the 18th of September was no exception with
176 Records taking over Whitechapel's Urban Bar to put on Woahnows with support
from Shit Present and Myelin.
This was the first ever gig for London's Myelin, a band
formed by ex Apologies, I Have None guitarist and singer Dan Bond. I always
enjoyed seeing Bond perform with his former band and was very disappointed to
hear that he had left so I was completely stoked to hear Myelin. Without being
able to go into much detail on the songs I thought Myelin were fantastic,
playing some passionate and emotional punk rock songs. Despite nobody in the
room really knowing any of the songs I noticed a lot of heads nodding along to
the big, crunching guitars and pounding drums. For a first ever gig Myelin were
so slick, I can't wait to hear more from them.
Next up were Specialist Subject Records act Shit Present.
This was my second time seeing the four piece in a couple of months and the
first time since they released their excellent self-titled debut EP. We all
know Iona as the bass player and occasional singer of Great Cynics but Shit
Present is her own project and really allows her to take centre stage and show
just how talented she is as a musician (she plays guitar in Shit Present), singer
and a songwriter. She actually has one of my favourite voices in all of punk
rock so to hear her sing live is always a pleasure. The EP is as good live as
it is recorded, which really displays just how good a singer Iona is. The whole
performance was very enjoyable, with Thom from Gnarwolves also really standing
out with an energetic performance on guitar. You can't help but love Shit
Present.
Headline act Woahnows are a band I've been aware of for ages
but have never really listened to or seen live. I didn't even realise they were
a three piece until they took to the stage. As soon as they began their
performance I really wish I’d checked them long ago as they were fantastic!
This Plymouth based band's energy was off the charts and they were clearly
having so much fun playing to the Urban Bar crowd. The fuzzy indie pop punk
style that Woahnows play live is infectious and you can't help but move along
with the band. Their front man in particular really stood out;joyously dancing
around the stage between blaring out his vocals. I don't think there are many
better feelings (in the music world anyway) than when you go to a gig not
really knowing a band and then coming away completely buzzed with a new
favourite band. That was definitely the feeling I had
after the Woahnows set, which ended far too soon for my satisfaction.
Thanks to 176 Records for putting on yet another fantastic
night of punk rock, you guys do some fantastic work and play a big part in
keeping the scene alive.
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