Strike Anywhere – T.J’s Newport

20/11/2006

Off the back of their third full-length release ‘Dead FM’, comes a tour from one of my favourite bands, Strike Anywhere.  Its been a few years since I last saw these guys live, that was also at The Legendary T.J’s supporting The Bouncing Souls and they blew me away, so I was hoping they would do the same tonight. 

There were a few bands on so I arrived early at a half-empty T.J’s in time to see Ruin You.  I saw these play at the Newest Industry All Dayer last year (headlined by Black Cougar Shock Unit) and I thought they were a great start to the all dayer.  Made up of Ex-members of the much-missed Jets Vs Sharks and Blocko, they were also a good way to kick off tonight.  These guys have a great sound, just no messin’ Punk Rock with gruff vocals, the sort if record you would expect to being put out by Newest Industry or No Idea, that sort of sound.  Next up a band totally new to me, from Liverpool ‘SSS’ (Short Sharp Shock) and fu*k can these guys rock!  They play fast Thrash Metal with Hardcore style vocals.  These reminded me musically of Anthrax or Nuclear Assault but together with the vocals of bands like DS-13 or Spazz.  These were definitely an unexpected treat and I’ll be keeping an eye out for these from now on.  Last up before the Mighty Strike Anywhere is fellow Richmond Punkers The Loved Ones, these guys bring us their own brand of Pop-Punk.  I heard the album ‘Keep Your Heart’ (Released on Fat Wreck-Chords) a few months ago and really enjoyed listening to it, live they pulled it off well.  These are a definite must for any fans of The Bouncing Souls.

Finally its Strike Anywhere in a still half-empty T.J’s but this isn't putting anyone off and certainly not S.A, just makes the whole thing more intimate.  As soon as the band get on the stage they kick things off with Sedition, closely followed by Infrared which sends T.J’s mental with people hurling themselves at the stage and then back into the crowd again just like a hardcore show should be.  For a little man Thomas has got a big f*cking mouth and knows how to use it, the rest of the band are also sounding amazing tonight.  S.A have always been a political band and tonight is no different, Thomas puts across what he has to say in between a few tracks without shoving it down your throat like a few bands I could mention, but it best comes across in their music.  Its one anthemic tune after the other tonight, they run through versions of Refusal, Laughter In A Police State, Amplify, Blaze, Instinct and Prisoner Echoes (although not in that order) along with others before finishing with Sunset On 32nd which sees the place off style.

Once again S.A have managed to blow me away!  These are definately one of the best Punk/Hardcore bands around at the moment and seem to be getting better.  If you was at this show or any other on this tour I’m sure you would agree.  Lets just hope it not too long until they’re back again.      

by Dale