It was the fourth time that Punk For Pudsey's been held at the Marrs Bar - credit for organising it to Alec whose son Phil plays in Backwash - highlighting the impressive lineup of mostly local outfits. Missed opening act Skankbox as the extended event kicked off at 5 o'clock - but they'd thoughtfully left some CD's out. I will catch them again though with Whipjack and The Donns at the Gun Tavern in a couple of weeks time. Backlight from Evesham are a high-energy outfit with an impressive and varied sound - a bit of a cross between Plot Against Paris and Brandon Steep.
A total contrast to the psychedelic death metal peddled by AZWAI (which stands for As Zeroes We Are Infinite - I do like a mathematical theme!) Virtuoso guitar work, thundering bass and kick-out-the-jams drumming - headed by manic frontman Adam who likes to wander into the audience, up to the bar, into the corner and out into the corridor! Great fun from one of the best acts I've seen this year.
More sheer enjoyment from ska-poppers The Donns - who describe their sound as 'partycore'. For me though it's just great breezy ska/clatterpop from a bunch of guys who look and sound like they're having fun - some risqué lyrics to add a bit of spice thrown in as well - fantastic!
Good to bump again into Bill Ottaway from the local branch of CAMRA - also Jacko from The Slapstix who's forming a new outfit with members of Backwash and Plot Against Paris called Fights and Fires ('cos everybody likes to watch them' - can I say that?)
I'd describe The Arteries from Swansea as a cross between the Pogues and Motorhead - varied powerpop with an overall feel of 'Love Song' by the Damned - like the hands-off bass style!
Special guests for the night were Ashes From Pompeii - on the same label as Backwash - but they're emo/metal/funksters from Germany - how did that come about then? Reminded me a bit of the Counterfeits in places but with a wicked and incredibly loud ear-bleeding set - ouch!
Sadly couldn't stay for the whole of metal/punksters Backwash's set - it had been a marathon session and I'm not getting any younger - alright the room was starting to spin a bit by then - ok? Worth it though as they raised £420 for Pudsey - same again next year guys?
