Gig Reviews: INTERROBAND + 7TH SUITE 28/3/10

by Daniel

The Louisiana, just outside Bristols city centre has put on some big acts over the years, and attracts all sorts from indie lovers, folksters and even occasionally rappers - tonight however, it was Bristols punks being given the chance to flex their muscles, and flex them they surely did.

First to the stage, Subgenerets. With a near enough full room to watch these ageing punk rockers I was interested to hear whether there would be angry, politics touting, beer guzzling punks underneath their calm and polite exterior, however I was mildly disappointed.  Good clean riffs and strong vocals lines made for listen-able, safe punk that could excite, however, the performance killer was the polite conversation to family members in the audience between songs. Understandably, for a one off gig (as i understand this was) taking a break from the 'oi oi oi's' to speak solely to the audience members they personally knew, was a bit expected, but sadly left me feeling uninspired. With a quick break bewteen bands to fill my pint up, i headed back up to see whether next act '7th suite' could fare any better.

Apparently big on the punk scene in Bristol, this female fronted band ticked all the right boxes - and then a few more. After some messy initial confusion over whether they were still sound checking or not, 7th Suite, jumped straight into an energetic, snarling, slap bass punk extravaganza. It is rare to find a band where each member has something totally inspiring to offer the audience, especially at unsigned level but all members of 7th Suite brought something to their massively entertaining show - be it double time bass slicks, roaring guitar riffs, chest thumping drums or smoothly snarling vocals, this band owned the stage. Impressive.

Finally headliners, Interroband took the stage. Smooth and tight, this upbeat four piece are a new addition to the Bristol scene. Perhaps an odd choice to headline after two heavy punk bands, these guys brought their own brand of soft pop punk to the evening slightly reminiscent of Ocean Colour Scene to the stage.  Catchy and enjoyable to watch, Interroband provided softcore, sound of the summer style punk that will doubtless be a big hit as the weather improves and the pubs by the river start to fill. 

Overall, a good night for punk in Bristol. 

www.myspace.com/7thsuite

www.myspace.com/interroband