Category: Music

The Underworld, Camden
12.08.2010

It was all of 30 years ago that 7 Seconds formed one of hardcore’s most influential and highly regarded bands in the American punk scene and tonight they are back at the Underworld in Camden, London for their third visit of our Island. It’s surprising that throughout those years the band never played here, especially as they were huge fans of the UK punk scene and the bands that were throwing up amazing hardcore throughout the 80’s but never the less, they are here tonight in support of Agnostic Front and to be honest with you, it was like time had stood still for all that time.

Opening with ‘Still Believe’ from New Wind it’s evident that the band that formed in Reno all those years ago still have what it takes to deliver a rocking show and Kevin Seconds still has that hunger and desire to bring the best of 7 Seconds illustrious career into the forefront and get a mosh pit going. Within seconds the crowd is alive all singing “use your head, be aware, give a fuck!” from the classic Walk Together Rock Together album and off we go!

‘Boy’s Fun’ follows and then ‘This Is The Angry’ – all you can hear are people wailing “whoa whoa!” as the track with the best sing-along chorus from the Scream Real Loud record gets the entire venue singing along to the message and this is what makes 7 Seconds one of the best hardcore bands of all time. This is also exactly what I personally miss from the new breed of so called ‘punks’ of this current generation, a term that has been milked over the years from a bunch of over styled, fashion conscious, energy drink sipping sell-outs who over use the word ‘punk’ in their biogs and fancy web widgets to make them feel part of something. Remember, there was no internet back when these guys were starting out, just phones in houses, record stores (remember those?) and fanzines to connect with the scene and their fans. The sound and scene of the 80’s and 90’s were packed with songs that meant something, songs that were memorable, songs with lyrics you could relate to and with tracks like ‘You Lose’, ‘Young Until I Die’, ‘New Wind’ and ‘We’re Gonna Fight’ hammering the PA at mach 10 the energy that filled this room tonight is one that no ’emo’ band could ever match in today’s so called ‘punk scene’. Oh, it’s SO emotional!

Even ‘One Big Guessing Game’ from Side One Dummy’s Good To Go album sounded great but there was much more to come. As the pit started to feed off the speedy 2 minute spells, stage divers somersaulted onto people’s heads, but the unlucky ones who didn’t get caught still had smiles on their faces as they were dragged up for air. ‘Regress No Way’ had people’s fists in the air followed by ‘The Crew’, ‘Remains to Be Seen’, and then their own version of Sham 69’s ‘If The Kids Are United’ before the absolutely amazing ‘Walk Together, Rock Together’ had everyone in that room sharing the same high; everyone screamed the lyrics out loud to the band’s delight. They were absolutely stoked on this reception and ended their set with the classic cover of Nena’s ’99 Red Balloons’ and ‘Here’s Your Warning’ capping one of the best hardcore shows of the year, in fact so much so that watching Agnostic Front seemed like a stupid idea but before we left, drummer Troy Mowat bowled over to say hello to us with a vuvuzela horn in his hand. Even after smashing out a 40 minute set he still had more energy than most in there, he was like a 10 year old after drinking a can of Coke and bouncing off the walls.

7 Seconds may have been going for over three decades but their desire to keep the hardcore flowing is still just as hungry as ever. Stand up and celebrate these legends when they visit next as they will not let you down.

Zac

Words and Photos: Caitlin Mogridge

Lowther Park in rural Cumbria, an unlikely setting for what’s fast becoming a key festival in the Northern calendar. My first experience also happens to be the festival’s 5th birthday. Many fledgling festivals can fail to pull the acts and the crowds but Kendal has struck upon a winning formula and has grown up fast.

The festival offered a mix of acts ranging from melodic rock, to dance, to Mancunian ska. Friday night kicked off with a reduced lineup of Dub Pistols, Stereo MCs, and small festival regular Calvin Harris. The generally young audience wanted to burn off some early summer energy, and as a result bodies came flowing over the barrier. Photographers in the pit fell victim to flailing limbs, fainting girls and all manor of broken fancy dress props. It wasn’t only the crowd who were out of control, one techy intern pulled the plug on Calvin’s set leaving the mainstage silent for 10 minutes.

The acts for the next few days seemed to be put together at random, the only pattern being rock in the morning, afternoon reggae/ska, and calming down to indie or mire alternative acts early evening. Apart from Calvin’s set on the first night the mainstage headliners, Doves and The Coral, just didn’t the high energy performance the crowds were craving.

However, OK Go, Futureheads and Wild Beasts drew the majority of the crowd and held their attention for a full set. The Beasts opened with hypnotic rythyms and a boldly original sound. They have managed to create a brand that is unmistakably them, achieving success without following too closely to their influences. The Futureheads’ ‘Manray‘ was a personal highlight but it’s been disappointing to see them slip further down the bill compared to a couple of years ago.

One selling point of this festival was the Calling Out tent, which showcased a selection of the finest upcoming local performances. It was refreshing to see such a range of bands, but a consistant genuine enthusiasm for performing. There were some gems to look out for, including These New Puritans whose British ‘Art-rock’ style has put them in fair stead to support the XX, Klaxons, and Crystal Castles. And Danananakroyd, who appeared to be the pick of a Glaswegian youth club pumped up on substances I can only hope are legal. As mic stands went flying, they proved to be a challenge for the crew and photographers but a definite hit with the crowd.

Sunday mainstage introduced me to the phenomenon that is Mancunian ska, a concept a Southerner may not be familiar with. I was pleasantly surprised after hearing and chatting to Kid British. These boys had manners any mother would be proud of and obviously had a huge local following. To ensure a mixed bag, Kendal threw in Badly Drawn Boy for some crowd sing alongs. He pulled the heartstrings by inviting his daughter to sing and play piano on stage with him. It was a great performance but maybe still lacking the kick the audience wanted.

As the festival was winding down there was a final burst of energy for the Subways, although Charlotte seemed to be the more popular member. The obvious choices ‘Oh Yeah‘and ‘Rock n Roll Queen‘ provoked a predictable high octane reaction and were many peoples’ highlights. And after an impossibly long set from The Coral, and satisfied with seeing a selection of the UK’s finest, the crowd retreated to the late night Jazz Cafe to dance out any remaining energy. A perfect way to end the festival of all genres.

After a long weekend introduction to a Northern festival I have to say I was quietly impressed. Kendal is a great festival for people who don’t take themselves too seriously, and don’t mind the occasional crossdresser or arty types. I think what makes Kendal unique is the real inclusion of new local music. The Calling Out stage offers an atmosphere unmatched by any other introducing stage I have seen.

I’ve come away with a scrawled list of bands I can’t wait to check out when I get home, and that’s what festivals should be about.