Original bands, original music from Lincoln & Beyond

Flatback Four + From The Tracks + Gutshot + Liberty Strike + Dirty Protest + The Alter Egos

Wednesday, 08 September 2010

Flatback Four + From The Tracks + Gutshot + Liberty Strike + Dirty Protest + The Alter Egos

Tuesday 20th July

The Duke of Wellington, Lincoln

Review by Nathan Davenpost

Having heard rather negative things about the state of the Lincoln punk scene, I was thankfully not disappointed to stumble across this gargantuan gold nugget of a show at the Duke of Wellington, later called the heart of the entire city's music scene. The bill comprised an extensive six bands, most of whom I found myself enjoying immensely.

Young Skegness ska punks The Alter-Egos certainly showed their hearts were in it, but while there's little shame in wearing your influences on your sleeves (or in this case on three of your six members' T-shirts), one too many times I felt like I was watching an under-prepared Rancid tribute act. However, a faithful cover of King Prawn's "Dominant View" almost redeemed the set and with some more original-sounding material, in time this young band could go far – there aren't nearly enough bands even attempting this kind of music. Ultimately, hats off.

Dirty Protest, while clearly being a loose and dangerous thrashy hardcore punk proposition, flirted with an experimental lo-fi aesthetic that I have an affinity with and admire greatly. Although the majority of the music was simple and aggressive, tempo changes and odd chords creep in here and there and are subtly and superbly effective. This doesn't however impede upon the band's ability to write great fist-in-the-air hooks, clear fan favourite and set closer "Computer Says no" instantly winning over the few remaining unconvinced spectators. One to watch, certainly.

I was informed on the night that this would be Liberty Strike's last show before guitarist Vic Comben moves away to Leeds. Unfortunately the band suffered no end of technical difficulties throughout their set. Although visibly shaken by a few aggressive heckles, the band soldiered on and ultimately proved to be a thoroughly innovative outfit. They demonstrated that a great deal of thought had gone into their material and I was impressed by their determination to continue in the face of all manner of adversity. It would be a shame if the band chose not to continue beyond this impressive, if unfortunately otherwise marred display.

Gutshot, Lincoln punk veteran Chris Coleshaw's latest venture, played their last show here at the Duke before they all move down to London for university in September. They certainly proved they have what it takes to establish themselves in the capital. Talented frontwoman Lily Gaskell showed off her soulful voice and lent the band's aggressive punk tunes a fantastic sense of sophistication. Even misogynistic hecklers couldn't ruin the atmosphere. The affection directed towards the stage throughout was unbelievable. The band's set was unfortunately cut short, due to lack of practice with a new drummer, but last song "Victory Falls" gathered the audience together in a heart-warming mass singalong, sealing the band's historical Lincoln career in the best way possible.

I was unfortunate enough to miss co-headliners From The Tracks due to participating in a heated political debate outside with members of the Socialist Party – who were in attendance raising awareness of their Socialism 2010 festival later this year – but I was assured I'd hear more from the band in months to come. I'll be the first to make an effort to check them out online as soon as my broadband connection is fixed...

Boston three-piece Flatback Four are in possession of a name I'd heard thrown a lot in the early stage of the gig and the anticipation that befell these three gentlemen was very enviable. Right from the off, headline-quality breakneck speeds and impossibly melodic hooks were blended together perfectly and the band even unveiled an adorable ode to the singer's Border collie. The band's amusingly po-faced bass player particularly impressed with his melodic runs up and down the instrument's neck – made all the more impressive for also joining in on backing vocals throughout. The clear familiarity between band and audience was encouraging to see, every word shouted back with fists - and in some cases, lighters - aloft. Even the infamous "Wall of Death" was attempted, and with some degree of success I might add. Despite the show overrunning considerably, the band brattishly refused to leave the stage as long as they were being enjoyed and even Liberty Strike's Matt Colwell got involved on vocals for the last song. A fun and flawless performance from a band I will from now on be sharply listening out for.

Nathan Davenport

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