Our punk expert Steve is in Cov to see if Spitfires are flying or Skids make their mark
The Spitfires
Given the number of people in the venue for the support word has clearly got round how good Watford’s Spitfires are. Taking influences from the likes of The Clash, The Jam and Hard Fi through to Soul, Reggae and Ska, the band have released two albums to date. ‘A Thousand Times’ (2016) was the follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut ‘Response’ (2015).
This young band kick-started their support slot with a number of their heavier tracks, instantly encouraging the crowd to get into the groove and move forward. Frontman Billy Sullivan was self-assured and joked with the audience re their enthusiasm for the night. ‘Tell Me’ was quality.
They played an excellent set of progressive mod-rockers from their 2 albums which the punters appreciated. The Spitfires enthusiasm was infectious and soon had the crowd on their side. Recently released single ‘Over and Over Again’ and the weird and wonderful ‘Spark to Start’, with its 90s synth chords and techno vibe hypnotically encouraging even more individuals to dance.
They are accomplished musicians putting out complex song structurers, with excellent guitar and bass riffs, great keys and trumpet arrangements and some pretty amazing drumming.
For almost the entire set they were dancing around the stage and clearly enjoying every minute. They did slow it down at times and the slower tracks seemed to suit them, with Matt Johnson on drums building momentum but faithfully slowing back down as required.
‘Stand down’ was easily the best tune of the night, illuminating political angst against the government, and proving Sullivan’s song writing skills speak volumes about the world we live in – “Get a job and fight to keep it […] Get a degree but you’ll never need it.”
The band have their own style despite taking influences from bands like The Jam and The Specials. They might not see themselves as a political band, but their kitchen-sink dramas of disillusionment with the world speak for themselves.
Go and see them soon.
The Skids
The Skids have released their first album for 35 years and this 40th anniversary tour mixes the new and the old. They begin with ‘This Is Our World’ the opening track form new album ‘Burning Cities’ before launching into ‘Melancholy Soldiers’.
With most of the original band they play their classic hits which make you realise they were never a straight 4/4 three chord punk band and their songs have some amazing structures, hooks and guitar work. As someone else pointed out to me in the gig ‘they sound Scottish’.
Jobson is on top form and is a man enjoying doing this all again. He puts everything into it and tracks like ‘Working for the Yankee Dollar’ still seem fresh and relevant. Early songs such as ‘The Saints are Coming’ and ‘Charles’ were excellent.
Bruce Watson does his former Big Country bandmate Stuart Adamson proud and as you would expect, he and his son complement each other brilliantly with their duelling guitars on tracks such as ‘Scared to Dance’, ‘Charade’ ‘Circus Games’, ‘Masquerade‘ and ‘A Woman in Winter’
‘Hurry On Boys’ produces a mass singalong and new song ‘One Last Chance’ is dedicated to their rediscovered popularity which it seems has surprised them outside of their home country.
As the show progressed the mosh pit became bigger and bigger with people jumping around to the tracks they can never forget and set closer ‘Into the Valley’ took this to another level.
In the encore we are treated to another new track and an updated version of ‘TV stars’ with the whole crowd shouting ‘Albert Tatlock’. A fitting end to a nostalgic night for all concerned.
I must say I have never been to this venue before but this is a great proper music venue, well run with friendly staff and a great sound system which kept the punters dancing long after the band had departed the stage. I am sure I will be back there again soon.
