UK Subs
Milkwood Jam, Swansea
Black Friday at Milkwood Jam, we wait in the whitewashed hallway as the sound checks are finished. Although sources agreed that doors open at 7.30, it’s 8pm before we’re let through, and nearly 9pm before the first band begin to play. Obviously the UK Subs abide by the traditional rules of gig timing, where you can safely turn up about two hours late without missing the headliners. Fortunately, my punctuality paid off this evening as I was able to fully enjoy the excellent local supporting bands. Charlie Harper (UK Subs front man) enjoys them as well. Through his endless touring, you can imagine he’s seen a few. He watches, grinning, bleached blonde head bobbing, and even joining the crowd for a while when the Sidekicks begin to play. Although listed at the bottom of the bill, the Sidekicks are a refreshing new talent, playing skillfully through a set of exciting originals as well as covering bands such as Operation Ivy. They were followed by the energetic Guffries, sounding like they had just come back from the Warped Tour in the best possible way. The penultimate band was The Groundnuts & Independents, encouraging the somewhat subdued crowd into action. As if by magic, the audience nearly doubles in size, and by the time the UK Subs take the stage, they were ready. The older set begins to draw away from the wall, girls ditch their jackets, and the crowd’s tentative bouncing gives way to a heaving, screaming pit. Harper loves it. Jumping about the stage and playing air guitar for the cameras, he sings with the energy of a man half his age. After an exuberant set and gracious encore, Harper descends to the bar for a drink with his fans, easily the most likeable legend there is. JESSICA RAMTHUN
Barfly, Cardiff
The UK Subs have a strong South Wales following and as a result Charlie Harper and his sonic soldiers make regular visits to the principality. The latest visit came with a scintillating set, and despite over 30 years of hardcore, energetic enterprise Harper proves that he has the same drive that led him in to the limelight many moons ago! The band knows what their public wants and a fiery foursome duly deliver their aural arsenal of golden gusto. The legendary 1980 live album Crash Course constitute the core of a concert that turns a compact club in to a demonic dance hall; and, Harper is joined by several would-be vocalists from the crowd as both the performers and punters unite in the name of punk rock! The anthems are fired out in a fast and furious fashion and the tempo does not drop as the hits are hammered home! The high octane assault of Stranglehold, Warhead, Teenage and Tomorrow’s Girls once made the Top 40 a better place, and premium tunes such as CID, I Live In A Car, Left For Dead, New York State Police, Emotional Blackmail and Rockers mustered up a manic mosh pit! As Guns ’N’ Roses return to the big time, just remember that they covered the Subs’ song Down On The Farm. The Barfly has housed the UK Subs twice now and more dates will surely follow on the back of this visceral visit! ROB JONES
The Damned The Point, Cardiff
Since the halcyon days of the 70s The Damned has experienced many ups and downs, splits and reformations, line-up changes and a variety of record labels. When The Damned played Cardiff an animated audience was central to the electric entertainment — this band guarantee a pogo on the pavement of punk and a saunter on the sidewalk of psychedelia! To coat the sonic stampede there is also heaps of humour via the demented Captain Sensible and the debonair Dave Vanian. The crowd were taken through four decades of forceful decadence as The Damned dipped into the past and lapped up the present, courtesy of their new album So Who’s Paranoid? The fast and furious tunes whipped up a kaleidoscope of characters, and the motor of New Rose, Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, Fan Club, Love Song and Stretcher Case Baby will never fail to fire up a faithful following. Neat Neat Neat with three bass players (ex-members Bryn Merrick and Paul Gray joined the proceedings) turned in to a free for all jam that was comical but took the sting out of a fans favourite. The 60s sway of certain songs head off on a musical meander that would be more at home with a carefree caftan community than a gathering seeking a rebel rock ride. Even the Captain suggested a tongue-in-cheek link to Santana after a three drummer led progressive piece went on forever! It was obvious that Smash it Up was going to send the show into orbit and that anthem was left to last in an energetic encore. The Damned plug their current release, unleash their mayhem and display that the class of 1976 still has a range of tricks. However, it is the nuclear new wave that will always perk up the party, and not a solo, semi-striptease (not so) Sensible Happy Talk concert closer! ROB JONES