LIFE @ Moth Club - November 6, 2019

w/Italia 90

My first time at the tiny Moth Club in Hackney, even though I was thinking of going before now (should have dragged my butt out to Cabbage in April!).

Caught most of the opener's, Italia 90, set. Originally from Brighton, but now living in south London, they have an interesting early punk sound. I'd checked out a couple songs ahead of the show and was glad to hear them live. The singer had a predatory, prowling skinhead look, but without much feedback from the crowd, didn't give us much energy back. Definitely a band to watch as their sound is right up my alley, and a good fit for LIFE.

This was my 3rd time seeing LIFE, and the first as headliners. (Saw them open for Slaves (now called Soft Play) and then Idles). I've liked them from before that 1st show, checking out opening bands as I like to, and being really impressed. Also love wearing my long-sleeve Popular Music shirt to shows, which endears them to me.

I think this is the first time I've seen their new female bassist, Lydia, who bops from side to side making faces, and fits in well with  their offbeat, kinetic performances. Singer, Mez, is as mesmerising to watch as ever, channeling a young David Byrne with original off kilter moves and detached but demented expressions.

I'm very relieved by the new album they're supporting, A Picture of Good Health. It's lost none of their energy and drive, and moves their sound forward in a direction that totally works for me. I like a few new bands whose 2nd and 3rd albums I'm nervous about, but these guys haven't let me down one whit. Having said that, I was chuffed that they closed with Popular Music, that chugging and droning ironic masterpiece.

Love them live, and will definitely see them again.

Setlist:
Excites Me
Good Health
In Your hands
Half Pint Fatherhood
Never Love Again
Grown Up
It's a Con
Euromillions
Don't Give Up Yet
Hollow Thing
Bum Hour
Ba Ba Ba
Moral Fibre
Popular Music

IDLES & LIFE @ Electric Ballroom - April 5, 2019

review to come...



Setlist: 
Colossus
Never Fight a Man With a Perm
Mother
Faith in the City
I'm Scum
Great
Queens
Danny Nedelko
Divide and Conquer
1049 Gotho
Love Song
Benzocaine
Samaritans
Television
White Privilege
Where's My Ice Cream
All I Want for Christmas Is You
Well Done
Rottweiler

Slaves @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, London - November 29, 2016

I'd been really looking forward to seeing Slaves live, anticipating a super high energy show. But, I was still surprised at just how much fun it was. The crowd was young sure, but more varied than I thought. There were plenty of girls and some attendees put way more thought into their outfits than I'd predict for a "punk" show. But the overall feeling from the crowd and the band and the night was feel-good, fun and welcoming.

Having looked them up before the show, I was interested in checking out openers LIFE. They're from Hull, and were a great match for Slaves with their enthusiasm and matching energy. Good choice.

With only an EP and 2 LPs to choose from, Slaves still put on a great long show. Lots of their songs are short, sharp punk singalongs, so the show had a great up beat throughout.

Laurie and Isaac were both indefatigable and engaging right at the very front of the stage; both often stepping up on the monitors, Isaac when he moved away from his stand-up drum set-up. On a few songs, Isaac was off the stage, on the barrier, or just in front of it. The fans respond accordingly with a huge, surging mosh pit and singing along enthusiastically.

Slaves are one of the best live bands I've seen. They make a genuine connection with the audience. They feel real and present and are extremely compelling to watch, and, of course, jump up and down with. I'd definitely catch another show.

Setlist:
Intro
Sockets
Play Dead
Same Again
People That You Meet
Dave (Skit)
Despair and Traffic
Suicide
Where's Your Car Debbie?
STD's/PHD's
Fuck The Hi-Hat
Consume Or Be Consumed
Angelica
Take Control
Hey
Girl Fight
Steer Clear
Cheer Up London
Feed the Mantaray
Are You Satisfied?
The Hunter
Encore:
Gary (Skit)
Lies
White Knuckle Ride
Spit It Out