Gig Review: Tree House Fire at New Cross Inn, 13/5/22

You know that when Be Sharp Promotions put on a ska and reggae show at the New Cross Inn that it’s going to be an evening full of great music, great times and great peoples. On Friday the 13th of May Tree House Fire were back in South London to play their Rocket album in full to celebrate its ten year anniversary. Along the with Tree House Fire, we had a stacked line-up to enjoy thanks to Zen Baseballbat, Till I’m Bones and Lo(u)ser.

We arrived at NXI quite early and used the time to catch up with our friends. It was nice to see a lot of people had arrived early to catch LA native Lo(u)ser open the show. Armed with just his electric guitar and a Nintendo-themed video projected behind him, I got the impression that not many people in the room knew what to expect from this performance. What we got was a fun, upbeat ska pop half an hour. This was one of the freshest and most creative sets I’ve seen at NXI in quite some time. Lo(u)ser (real named Chris Graue) quickly got the crowd on side and there was a lot of folk saying super positive things about the set when it was completed. There was a moment midway through the set where Chris left the stage and with an advert playing on the projector screen, before returning wearing just a pair of TMNT shorts and socks. I’m not sure why but he joked that he’s just a man with a guitar and that he needed to do something else as he’s just a man with a guitar. This was a very special treat to open the show and I’m glad I got to witness it.

Next up was the debut performance from Till I’m Bones. The band formed earlier this year and features Jak Coleman and Charlotte Corry, formerly of NXI favourites Just Say Nay. It would be super easy and extremely lazy to just say that Till I’m Bones are a continuation of Jak and Charlotte’s former band, which I understand to an extent as Jak has such a recognisable vocal and distinctive songwriting style there will be comparisons, but after getting to see them live it’s clear that this new project is a whole new beast – and I loved it. There’s a whole new intensity to the sound which I would assume is partly the influence of the bands other members, Beth (bass), Gary (guitar) and Aaron (drums). As mentioned, this was their first ever show as Till I’m Bones and my goodness they’ve set the standard very high for their future performances. What an absolute pleasure to witness what will be a big player in the UK ska punk scene in the very near future take their first steps into the world. Till I’m Bones have a handful of gigs all over the UK lined up already and I seriously suggest you get to one near you – what a band!

The penultimate support act of the evening were Zen Baseballbat. Despite being around forever now, this was astonishingly the band’s first ever time at New Cross Inn. Coming down from Manchester, it was nice to see a sizable crowd gathered to check them out, I would imagine it was the first time for a lot of people in attendance. For the next half hour or so we got to witness some great ska/new wave from an extremely watchable band. I’ve long said that ska bands have some of the best musicians in the DIY scene, this allows the band to play their songs perfectly whilst also having a dance around the stage. There was a real charm to the set which added to my enjoyment. Playing a set full of tracks from the newest album, Better Ways To Love & Offend, Zen Baseballbat showed there’s plenty of life in the long running band and look set to earn a whole new generation of fans.

Now it was time for the evening’s final act, Tree House Fire. Despite being all the way from Wales, Tree House Fire feel like a NXI band. They are absolutely loved in South London and return again and again. When it was announced that the five-piece would be playing their debut album Rocket in full, there was much excitement among the regulars at the venue who have been going to see them for years. The band first came to my attention long after Rocket was released so I didn’t have the same excitement that a lot of people had but was still looking forward to seeing one of the best live acts in the UK ska scene. As soon as they began playing the whole room began to sway, I looked at so many friends with big smiles on their faces as they sang and danced along with the band and I loved seeing it. Something that always impresses me whenever I see Tree House Fire is just how tight they are musically, they are some seriously talented musicians. Lead singer Sam oozes charisma on stage and commands the room throughout the set, they seriously have the crowd in the palm of their hand. With each song they play they get an even bigger reaction and it’s just an absolute pleasure to be in the room. This was another great set from Tree House Fire and I’m sure it won’t be long until the next one.

This review was written by Colin Clark.

Gig Review: Filthy Militia Coping Mechanism EP Launch At The Black Heart, Camden 12/2/22

I always enjoy an album or EP launch party. There’s something about them that always seems to add some extra excitement in the crowd and the bands seem to bring that little bit more to their performances. It’s a good time all around. On Saturday the 12th of February, London ska punks Filthy Militia had their launch night for their new EP Coping Mechanism, at the Black Heart in Camden. The band had also invited their long time friends Codename Colin, Easydread and Laurence Crow to play the show. It was set to be a great night.

After finishing work we hurried to the station and made our way to London. Whilst on our way we discovered our branch of the Northern line was closed so would have to find another route to Camden for the gig (thanks for the heads up, Paul). This unfortunately delayed us getting to the Black Heart on time, as well as making me have to hear a busker playing Wonderwall. When we made it into the venue Laurence Crow was already a good way through his set. This was billed as Laurence’s last acoustic show and he seemed to be doing his utmost to make sure that he and everyone in attendance was having the best possible time. From what I managed to catch it, was an enthusiastic and spirited performance. The perfect opener to get the crowd warmed up for the rest of the night.

Next up were Bedfordshire ska/reggae act Easydread. I love Easydread. They’re my local band but this was my first time seeing them in years. There was a time when it felt like I saw them every month. On this occasion they were playing as a seven piece, which included a four person brass section which sound amazing. The band decided to start their set a little early so they could attempt to squeeze an extra song in (spoiler: they unfortunately failed). As it had been so long since I’d seen Easydread, I had forgotten just how much I enjoy seeing them live. The first half of the set seemed to be mostly new songs that they all STILL yet to release – but all sound fantastic. They then finished their set with classics such as Crosshatch Line, Fyah and, of course, Scrotes. It was a great set and I really enjoyed seeing how giddy they all seemed to be playing together again. When a band has as much fun as Easydread did it’s hard for that energy not to find its way into the crowd.

Codename Colin are one of the bands I’ve seen the most amount of times since gigs started to come back. They’re a band we’ve needed as they always bring the party-fun-times to their shows. Despite being a man down and Snowy having to be a one person brass section, they had the same energy and enthusiasm as always. Leaning into the pop punk side of ska, the band get off to a blistering start, instantly getting the crowd on side for a sing-along. To my surprise they played Kelly’s Missing as their second song. This got plenty of fists in the air with that brilliant chorus calling out pay to play gigs. From then on, they stormed through their set, showcasing just how many really good songs they have in their repertoire. They did take the time out to play a brand new song that they are in the process of recording as well as their now traditional cover of I Just Can’t Get Enough which lead to a room sized circle pit. There was unfortunately a moment where frontman Charlie had to ask some of the crowd to calm down slightly as some were getting too rowdy. I felt like he dealt with it brilliantly and the rest of the set went off without a hitch. This was a rare chance to see Codename Colin play a longer set and they absolutely smashed it. Great stuff.

It was soon time for the evening’s main event, Filthy Militia. This moment had been a long time coming for the band. The process of writing songs, doing their Kickstarter funding, recording Coping Mechanism and then finally getting the EP released had been over a year in the making and the band were now about to play the set of their lives. Starting the set with Coping Mechanism’s opener Another Day got the next forty-five minutes or so off to a wild start. It was nice to see the venue so busy and so excited for the set and that excitement only escalated as it went on. As well as playing all of the songs from Coping Mechanism, the band also played tracks from their first EP, Innocent Until Proven Filthy, as well as, the rarely performed live, Jesus. I was fortunate enough to get the EP early because Frosty is a super babe and I’ve been listening to it on repeat ever since so it was really cool to see the songs performed live. All were performed excellently and are making fantastic additions to the Filthy Militia live experience. Filthy Militia are a band that also like to have a bit of fun when they play live. At one point they stopped playing a song (I can’t remember which) to play the theme tune to the classic CBBC cartoon Arthur which got a great reaction. The highlight of the set for me was when they played the awesome Differences from Coping Mechanism. It’s a song about people overcoming the things that set them apart to unite. It’s a wholesome and positive song that feels as needed as ever in the current societal climate and it was great to have a sing-along to it. Despite it being the most complicated sing-along in ska punk. It’s not a classic Codename Colin “whoa-oh” segment that’s fer sho! When a whole room sings along though, it’s a special moment and I can’t wait for the next time I get to experience it. The set was finished in epic fashion with Land Of The Dead. The band were joined on stage by Tom Crabb of Lead Shot Hazard to play guitar so that Frosty could get in the crowd to sing the song. This then ended up with Frosty getting lifted up by the crowd and surfed within a three metre radius of the microphone – that’s how long the cable was. It all turned into a chaotic mess but it was just wonderful to see. Frosty’s best friend Sleeman hopped on stage to lead the chanting finale of the song and in one of the sweetest moments in gig history (maybe) they pointed Frosty out and said ‘that’s my friend’ with so much pride. It was wonderful.

I said in my review of the EP that Coping Mechanism was Filthy Militia taking things up a step. This set proved that they are no longer show openers and could easily find themselves in positions much higher up any ska punk bill and I’ve no doubt they’ll soon be headlining shows on regular occasions. It was a lovely night.

This review was written by Colin Clark. Photos also by Colin.

Album Review: Bad Press by Captain Accident & The Disasters (by Theo Martin-Herbert)

An absolute belter for ska and reggae fans here. Captain Accident and The Disasters have recently put out a meditation on modern life, opening up with a slow track that winds its way into your brain, welcoming the end of the world and asking you to dance while everything burns. This invitation sets up the tone for the rest of the album, mulling over how we got here and how we can keep things positive now that we are here.

The album has a great pace throughout, slowly beckoning you over to come and listen before picking up the pace. Couple that with some fantastic guitar work throughout – great lead lines permeate the experience, really accentuating and complimenting the songs with added textures and hooks. The production too is crisp and clean, every stab coming through with a great vocal sound as well, so definite props are deserved for that! Overall, Captain Accident have crafted something special for all you ska and reggae fans out there – give it a listen and enjoy the end of the world.

Stream and download Bad Press on Bandcamp here.

Like Captain Accident & The Disasters on Facebook here.

This review was written by Theo Martin-Herbert.

Album Review: Ollie Ollie Oxen Free by Authority Zero (by Theo Martin-Herbert)

It's an absolute pleasure to listen to something so precise and perfectly designed for what the group is going for. Authority Zero's latest, ''Ollie Ollie Oxen Free'', instantly hits with an understanding of what it is and what you're in for, confidently and effortlessly introducing the listener to the beginning of a perfect pop punk album. However, it does manage to deftly avoid any writing clichés, I was constantly surprised throughout by how song structures winded in and out of choruses, how those choruses gave you just enough of what you know and love while giving you a fresh take or an entirely new angle. Definitely the sound of a confident and able band having fun, creating a record that's an absolute joy to listen to.

Appreciation has also got to be given to the production, the guitars have a fantastic and growly energy while keeping a high-end sizzle and clarity, making every lead line cut and every rhythmic part chunk underneath and keep the bounce. Absolutely fantastic stuff and I'll certainly have to nerd about on some forums to check out what gear was used on the record. The energy and bounce of the record is catapulted by the slick production by Cameron Webb, with the band noting in various interviews that he helped push the positive vibe of the lyrics and the pushed the music of the band to try approaches such as working from drum ideas to create full songs. It really shows in the freshness of the tracks throughout, a record such as this that is so dedicated to a sound can really slow down towards the last third of the album, but Authority Zero deftly avoid this, striding throughout and keeping their own pace.

With "Ollie Ollie Oxen Free", Authority Zero have crafted an absolutely fantastic experience. Fresh, confident and inspiring, definitely a perfect antidote to the past couple of years, I heavily recommend grabbing this record and letting it wash away the negativity we've all experienced as we close out the year. Fantastic stuff.

Stream and download Ollie Ollie Oxen Free on Bandcamp here.

Like Authority Zero on Facebook here.

This review was written by Theo Martin-Herbert.

Gig Review: The Interrupters at Kentish Town Forum, London 7/2/20 (by Chris Bishton)

It's Friday night and it's my second gig of the week. I'm heading back north of the river, this time to see The Interrupters at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town.

It's sold out. It kinda blows my mind. Only 14 months ago, I'd seen them down the road at the smaller Electric Ballroom. The time before that, they'd been at the even smaller Tufnell Park Dome. Now, they're at the O2 Forum… a venue I've attended most recently to see legends like Descendents, Bad Religion and Jawbreaker! And this is the first of two nights they're playing here.

So, now I'm racing to get there in time for the first band, Buster Shuffle. My friend and I have been talking for ages about wanting to see them, but I'm really conscious I'm running late and they're first on. I get to pub, but there's no time for a drink or a catch up. Instead, we head straight in and take up a spot just before they come on. We're not disappointed. Playing a home town gig, they've soon got the crowd going even though the doors have only been open half an hour and it's still filling up. As Jet – lead singer and piano player – notes, they need to play more London shows.

Next are The Skints. They slow things down a little following Buster Shuffle. Mellower and with more of a reggae sound mixed with their laid back ska, they have 42 minutes on stage. However, I miss a good chunk of their set due to queuing at the bar. For a venue that holds 2000+, one small bar on either side and one tiny cash only kiosk at the back is not good. My local pub has almost as much bar space and just as many bar staff! Please take note O2 Forum.

As usual, The Specials's Ghost Town is the tune that The Interrupters choose to take to the stage to. As the lights drop and those familiar bars start, the crowd are buzzing. It seems everyone can sense this is going to be a good one.

Jesse is first on stage, taking up his place behind the drum kit. He's swiftly followed by Justin, Kevin and Aimee Interrupter. The first song is A Friend Like Me. A brilliant start and one that seems chosen to reference the mutual love in the room.

What follows is a fabulous set of, what are now, greatest hits. Songs from all three albums get played including White Noise, By My Side, Got Each Other, Not Personal, She Got Arrested and On A Turntable.

The band and the audience are frenetic. Justin is backwards and forwards from one side of the stage to the other the whole time. Aimee doesn't stop either. Not hindered by an instrument, she's left to right and back again, before disappearing from sight as she jumps off stage to get close to the front row. She then reappears, arms pumping and all the time doesn't miss a note.

Breathers are taken at various points as Kevin talks to the crowd and introduces both the songs and the band. There's no covers this time, although The Specials's Message To You Rudy is started, it's only the first three bars and they don't finish it.

Take Back The Power, a particular crowd favourite, is a protest song but also a song about unity and how we can come together and is met with a roar. Title Holder, a song about fighting but not fighting each other, rather addiction, anxiety and oppression, is also especially well received.

Kevin then splits the audience in half before asking the two sides to run in to meet each other as Aimee counts down from four to signal the start of Gave You Everything and the crowd going wild.

The time fizzes by (did they really play 20+ songs!?). In what seems like just a few minutes after they came on stage, Kevin tells us they one have one more song. But, as the lights go out and the crowd chant for more, the band don't actually leave the stage. Kevin self-deprecatingly remarks that they aren't a big enough band to be able to leave the stage in case no one calls for them to come back, before they finish with Family and She's Kerosene.

The gig is the penultimate date on the Fight the Good Fight Tour. I haven't looked up when exactly the tour started, but the album with the aforementioned title was released way back in mid-2018.

The band must be exhausted both mentally and physically, both from the gig and the tour, but no one would ever guess. There are no signs of fatigue. The four of them have huge smiles on their faces the whole time they're on stage. They clearly love what they're doing and at times can't quite believe they're now playing these sort of venues.

However, the crowd can believe it. The band are brilliant both on record and on a stage. I'm sure there'll be many more nights like this, but they'll increasingly have to manage the increasing demand for them to play more and more places. My hope now is I don't have to wait years before they're back here again.

This gig review was written Chris Bishton.