A wet Monday in November, people are choking pennies for Christmas, and with a hanging sense of exhaustion about, there were a few things working against us. Which does not explain how the night went so well...
Gerry Trimble opened with his Americanised punk set of mostly originals. Considering the downbeat mood, his brooding tunes didn’t ooze energy, but one of his lyrics had the crowd howling in appreciation (something about the aftertaste of oral encounters), which certainly highlighted the R-rating of the show to come.
Ben & Vinny plugged in and switched it up entirely with skanking chords on keyboard, ‘white-boy rap’ and a simple beatbox, all of which by the way makes a great show. Ben of dub-punk group Breadchasers fame is musically versatile to say the least; jaunty melodies, poetic flow, and clever rhyme schemes. You kind of expect beatboxers to be showy or flash, but Vinny has an exceptional ear, putting really beautiful noises in the mix. The potential for this pair is huge, so anticipate.
We see a new side to Jody Betts every time he plays. With his other projects (Tray Electric, Royal Gala, Jimmy The Squirrel and Hez Zeus) being so upbeat, it’s almost alarming when he shows virtuosity as a guitarist singer-songwriter. Playing to many new faces, it was interesting how impressed a group of lads near the front were. An increased buzz around Jody, 2012 could be his year.
Stuck In 2nd played their best Nottingham show yet, no doubt. High energy, strong vocal harmonies, well practiced songs and a load of new songs. Sam’s rapid percussion and Ben’s uplifting guitar came second only to a great rhythm section. The addition of jazz drummer Natt alongside Dub bassist Dan gives a groove transforming them from surfer reggae to a band approaching The Skints’ level. Their own tracks outdo their old covers and with a cross section of genres, they’re certainly developing their own sound.
Arse Full of Chips frontman Will Bailey announced he was cracking out the party poppers, which I thought meant a bottle of poppers like what you sniff. No, he meant streamers, balloons, noise makers... Suddenly Rescue Rooms is a kid’s birthday but don’t let their slapstick appearance fool you to thinking they’re child-friendly. With a brand new banner of swearwords and swearing to rhyme, it’s a wonder no-one’s complained about their lyrics. Raph Achache’s jazz background is apparent in the increased musicality of the new material, which is a far cry from the ridiculous AFOC origins, but is more thoughtful and enjoyable for an audience that wants to dance whilst laughing.
A strange man had his testicles hanging out (deliberately) the whole time. He wouldn’t respond to threats of violence or heckles from the crowd questioning his mental state (because really, either he’s Stan’s #1 fan or is completely mad: why else would you have your dick out during a gig?!
Talking of Stan, there are plenty of lyrics exploring his raison d’être, complemented as he dances totally nude, hugs strangers, and snogs anyone who dares enter the willy-dangling zone.
One new track is so offensive, trumpet girl Ruth sits it out for fear of being sacked by her real job. On a nationwide tour, their followers may be interested in the new musical direction of the band, who despite changing direction frequently, always maintain their core values: insult people; cuss celebrities; get battered.
The front part of Rescue Rooms turned out to be great for this kind of gig as the booths are comfy, floor space was just enough for revellers to shake a leg, and the sound guy did a stellar job.
Arse Full of Chips played at the Rescue Rooms on Monday 7 November 2011.
Read an interview with Arse Full of Chips on LeftLion.
Lickadickaday by Arse Full of Chips is available to buy now.
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