As we entered the building, a cloud of smoke, and beer odours hit me in the face, followed by the familiar sounds of a band warming up. Half-riffs and "1-2-3-4's" spitting from the P.A. Since we were early, we acquired drinks and sat down.
As we took in the scenery, i grew restless and got up to check
out the actual venue. When we got to the bottom of the stairs, already the lights hit the stage in a way that left an image of what the band would be like, in terms of performance. A red-yellowish wash was giving the room a "hot" sort of atmosphere. No sooner had we gone more than a couple of steps, we suddenly noticed a lone individual in the corner smoking a cigarette and drinking a beer, no other than THE MUTTS' lead singer, who was talking to a fellow mutt, Sam. We said hello and asked what time they would be on and whatnot. We were sat in the company of the whole band, drinking and talking amiably for an hour or two.
After they had left, I decided we should go see the second support act, who had caught my attention, TERMITES. They had a certain presence on stage, as each band member held a strange look about them. The songs were close to a Hot Hot Heat sort of feel, with catchy riffs and - lyrics and strange vocal noises topping off their strange brew.
The Mutts took to stage, after a little dossing around on set and rital tuning up , Bryan and Sam smiled, the lights changed to a deep blood red. This made the few who showed up to the gig a little uncomfortable, and eyes shifted nervously in their sockets a little.
The tall singer spoke into the mic and said "Hi to all that came, we are The Mutts!!!" With that, the band, who on first impressions seemed timid and certainly not rock'n'roll obnoxious, burst into a cacophony of frenzied guitar and bass riffs, that made your head and brain dance, whilst the pounding of drums and rumble of ever-powerful vocals had the very ground shaking and trembling with excitement.
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True to their word, their opening was fierce and unhinged, with
bone and nut-cracking songs, backed up with a fantastic performance, not only by the singer, but a team effort from the other members, leaving the crowd aching for more.
One particular highlight came when The Mutts were rocking out
halfway through their set, with twice as much fuel as the start and blond Bryan went on a sliding frenzy that captivated the crowd, and gave the band smiles as wide as cats who've just raided a milk factory.
After only playing a breathtaking 45 minute set, the last cannon fire was as lively as the start, all teeming with sweat, tears and beer. The whole venue shook as pure adrenaline, music and energy flowed through the building. After the band left one by one, Sam lingered and said "Cheers for coming" and smiled, leavins us with " were the Mutts!", just in case we'd forget.
When they left we unplugged ourselves from the memorable spectacle we'd just witnessed and swaggered home, with perma smiles on our faces.
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