A cracking poker of bands jammed at the Plug last friday. Was it good? Was it bad? Read on!

So the first band was Platinum Blind, playing some quick pop punk and relishing their time on stage with some banter and in jokes. A pretty healthy relationship with the fans, as it seems a few mates were around to support them. They reiterated they were depressing (emphasised on a song called ‘P.A.B.H.’)

Then Dynamite Victim came round, opening with two covers (The Killers, Kings of Leon), then doing a few of their own songs (with some Arctic Monkeys covers as a side dish). Their original stuff seemed good, so maybe they will take their time to work it out a little more, let it grow and go for more of their original stuff and less covers (which were quite good, though).

The stage was then inundated by a procession of four geezers wearing the same t-shirt (no, not at the same time). I turned back and saw most of the audience with the same t-shirt too. Feeling for a moment like an Arsenal wearin’-git surrounded by Tottenham supporters in a crowded subway, that feeling of dread flew away when the first notes of the funktastic rock that Left Ajar is known for was invoked.

Left Ajar do know that with the powers of funk come the responsibilities of giving a great show and there isn’t a glue powerful enough to keep them in one place in the stage. Andy’s (guitar) best purchase had to be that wireless guitar, as it helped him jump down from the stage and mingle and jangle his way with us peons.

The banter from Left Ajar included a few reminders about their album being offered for the princely sum of free. They originally “planned to charge a tenner for it, but we already have tenners, there’s three in my pocket!”.

That cracking noise is ‘Somedays’, bringing the house down with the right mixture of playful funk. ‘Isolated’ continued the funk and then a slight reworking of Billy Idol’s ‘Rebel yell’ was performed. Some great solos, amazing slap bass tapping and a cracking cover of Foo Fighters’ ‘All my life’ closed the night.

For a moment I wondered if there was a cover motif on the night. The mind boggles. Not that I mind. I like cover versions, specially when they move a little from the original.

So, “done, done and unto the next one”, right? The Hope Explosion came around and the only introduction they made was some honest to God (or Jebus or whatever deity you prefer) rock.  Crunchy ‘Stress of the Scandal’ did raised a few eyebrows, and so did ‘Pin down the detail’.

It’s always a pleasure to get some solid drumming (loved the changes in ‘Bored & Broken hearted’!) to go with your daily dose of dissonance. Nothing against bassists, but why bother when you have a powerful rhythm section like The Hope Explosion’s drumming?

‘Talk is cheap’ is an extremely powerful song (my science degree requires me to do triplicates, since I’ve heard it three times live, then I can say it is! – see? Science works!), and if there’s an eventual album (knocking on wood, tables and forests here!) it begs for the first single.

No pedalboard malfunction this time, so everything ran (distortedly) smoothly. The closing track was ‘Bored and broken hearted’ (can’t think of a better choice for a gig closer) and the chaps seemed to be in a good mood. The public seemed to be too, so mission accomplished.

When all was said and done (and played), the night was a like an eclectic mixtape designated for another Friday of great music and good memories at the place with the unbeatable backline, The Plug.

—Sam

If this concert was a David Bowie song it would be : Panic in Matilda Street

Links: Platinum Blind, Dynamite Victim, Left Ajar, The Hope Explosion.

Incoming gigs for each band: Platinum Blind (April 9 @ Varsity), Left Ajar (April 11 @ West Street Live), The Hope Explosion ( April 2 @ The Grapes)

Left Ajar is offering their album for free. Click here for funky goodness.

Check out our nifty gallery (now with more shit level correction and aliasing. Screw my crap photo skills.)

About the author: He wishes to apologise for the cliché analogies and gurn-inducing similes he’s been abusing as of late. Maybe that thesaurus needs to be revisited? Also, he hates football but loves the jerseys. Also, starting a review with “cracking” and then asking if it’s good or bad ruins the surprise.