October 12, 2006 @ Junktion 7
Not only does October 12th mean a ‘Saggy Pants’ gig with four top notch bands but the night also coincides with the second official John Peel day so what better way to celebrate than with a spot of ska.
A Is For Ape
Taking the lead tonight is seven piece local band A is for Ape and in the absence of two of their members, making them only five, they claim that this is a thinner sound than usual but this was barely discernible. Together the tools of their noise make a short and swift ska sound with consistent drum fills and when inspiration has evaporated an Enrique iglesias hero cover is thrown our way making it predictably much better than the original. Where some songs are more light hearted with that less than Jake similarity others show progression in tempo with relatable lyrics about going away to uni to find when you come back nothings changed at all. A is for ape successfully got the night started how it meant to go on; with a good turn out.
Failure by design
Next up is ‘Failure by design’, all the way from the Liverpool area visiting the great city of Nottingham. The once three piece punk band realized their love of ska and soon doubled in size and brought in different genres to make the sound they are today. The first thing that needs to be understood about this band is that they have variety and aren’t afraid to experiment with the crowd. The ska sound they make is slightly faster and rockier whilst other songs show they also have melodic slow stuff up their sleeve as well. After being asked if we like Jay Z a bit of rap is even thrown in and with songs about the ‘white house’ wrapped up with good stage presence the set is an impressive one.
Milk2Sugars
Milk2sugars, a band that have been around a few years now, but only just really getting recognition for their ska with-a-bit-of-pop sound with the help of record label ‘Punktastic recordings’. They don’t like Busted but if you’ve got some hobnobs to share you’re on to a winner. Points are awarded for stage presence with the brass instruments starting offstage and then joining the rest of the band. Later on in the set they even do this insane freeze frame and then carry on the song. They’re not your typical ska band with lack of off –beats and other such infamous tools used to produce that ska sound and whilst some songs seems slightly repetitive they’re a fun band to watch live nevertheless.
Weeble
Finally the long and awaited Weeble take the stage. Now not many bands out there can impress you with the very first song they dish out, and whilst I could only stay for one song, I realised this band have a knack of dragging the crowd into their mesmerizing world straight away. You’ve probably seen the technique at gigs of getting the crowd on the floor to which when they finally get up the idea is that the crowd go mad. The streets did it at the Leeds and Reading festivals which was as difficult as putting a square peg in a circle. However Weeble have mastered this and the speedy ska sound makes sure everyone gets involved. Conclusion? Just go and see them!
Reviewed by: Kristi
