The Zoo - Sat Aug 7

Throwing caution to the wind, Hundred Bad Guys With Swords open tonight’s launch with the ferocity of a headliner, and their effort is rewarded with a stream of curious faces filing onto the floor. With three punchy pieces and a razor-sharp wit, they’re certainly more than a curious Rocketsmiths side project.

Playing second at The Zoo must feel strange for the boys in Spitfireliar, but you wouldn’t know it by the way they attack Watermelon In A Microwave. Returning the compliment after their own album launch here last year, their set is as raucous as the crowd allows, finishing with the holy trinity of debauchery in Cocaine, Codeine and Alcohol.

Lubricated and ready to rock, Hits stumble onstage threatening to Never Sing A Song Again, while singer Evil Dick’s charismatic stupor simmers over the contrasting guitar tones of Tamara Bell and Stacey Coleman.

Lunging headlong into their anticipated launch-set with typical gusto, The Mercy Beat play How To Shampoo A Yak openers Eagle Throws Goat Off Cliff and Arouzin Yispouse in quick succession. Breaking only for a few thank-you’s and shout-outs, its clear they mean business tonight, and I savour the blistering instrumental album title track from a particularly surly mosh pit. With a respectable crowd half drunk and duly impressed, they reach a chaotic climax with The Mercy Blues to close the night.

JAMES STAFFORD

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