The fourth of March saw the release of one of the most anticipated punk albums of the year - Fizzy Brain by Ducking Punches, on Xtra Mile Recordings. To celebrate its release, the Norwich based folk punks had an album launch show at the Monarch in Camden.
This was my first time
visiting The Monarch and I was immediately impressed with the venue. The stage
area is a very nice size, to be honest much bigger than I was expecting. There
was also a nice sized bar and some pub seating at the back. This is a great
place to go and see live music.
First up on stage tonight
was a gentleman by the name of Tom Aylott. Normally Tom plays bass in some other
bands but tonight he was playing solo. I'd not heard any of his music before so
was unsure of what he would be like. When I know I'm reviewing a gig of somebody
that I've not heard before I get a little worried that I won't like them and
might have to write something negative. I hate ever writing anything negative
about a performer because I certainly can't play an instrument or sing a song
with any sort of ability. Fortunately though, I did enjoy Tom's performance. It
was a one-man political punk assault that really caught my attention. Fantastic,
passionate and energetic performance; I will definitely be looking out for more
from him.
For the next act I'd set
myself the challenge of not talking about his former band whilst reviewing his
performance. It was Chas Palmer-Williams, performing songs from his debut solo
album American Teeth, British Smile. I had the pleasure of seeing Chas perform
solo live last year in Bristol but at the Monarch he had a full band with him
for his set, including a drummer who’d spent the afternoon in A&E because
he’d got some metal in his eye. Chas has always been an excellent entertainer
on stage and performing his new folk-tinged punk this was no different. He had
the audience in the Monarch in the palm of his hands, whether he was playing
songs or just talking to them (at one point engaging in some banter with a
drunk girl about GG Allin, One Direction and life). He really is not given
anywhere near enough credit for his ability to write a fun, thoughtful and
brilliantly crafted pop song. Some of the imagery in the lyrics is quite
abstract but always really relatable. I really enjoyed the new album but
hearing the songs live with a full band took my enjoyment of American Smile,
British Teeth to a whole new level. The fact that Chas is still writing and
performing at such a high level makes me miss Lightyear just a little less. (I tried!)
Next up was the nights
headline act - Ducking Punches. To me, the night not only felt like an album
launch for Fizzy Brain but also like a celebration for Ducking Punches’
tireless work as a DIY punk band eventually earning them a spot on one of the
most respected record labels in the UK's alternative music world. Fizzy Brain
has been on constant rotation on my iPod since I first got the mp3s late last
year and I've been waiting for what seems like an eternity to finally hear them
live. Obviously they did not disappoint. Songs such as Greedy Bones, Fun Fun
Fun, It's Not Over Yet Friends, God Damn Coward, Taking Back The Living Room
(which sees bass player Sophie take lead vocals) and Fizzy Brain are all
fantastic additions to Ducking Punches’ live set. It was great to see a lot of
people singing along to the new songs too. Album launch shows can sometimes
feel a bit flat if people don't know the new songs yet so this was a great
surprise and just added to the atmosphere and the songs. Of course older songs
such as It's Been A Bad Few Weeks, Six Weeks and the huge sing-a-long Big Brown
Pills From Lynn all got great receptions too, but the night really was all
about the new stuff. Ducking Punches frontman Dan Allen writes some of the most
honest and heartbreaking lyrics I've ever heard but hearing them sung live gives
them somewhat of an uplifting quality. I imagine it's very therapeutic for the
band as well as the crowd. When I watch live bands I always look to see if the
band look like they are enjoying themselves and that was certainly the case at
the Monarch. Watching the band I noticed guitarist Cal and drummer Pete singing
along as loud as they could despite not having microphones. Ducking Punches are
a band full of honest, hard-working musicians with a lot of passion and love
for their music and an unlimited amount of talent. With a big European tour
with Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls on the horizon 2016 will no doubt be
the biggest year for Ducking Punches so far. Buy Fizzy Brain and go see Ducking
Punches live!
Go and buy Fizzy Brain here: https://www.xtramilerecordings.com/Shop/DownloadDetails?rid=XMR_RE_196
Go and buy Fizzy Brain here: https://www.xtramilerecordings.com/Shop/DownloadDetails?rid=XMR_RE_196
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