Snoog, Roostar, Opium @ The Barfly
Another average barfly crowd, however a better than average gig for the few people out supporting the scene. Roostar on first shine, those unaware of this band, and like the poppy rock Catatonia-esque(but with balls) style should have this band as their tipple. "Catwalk queen" and EP title track "S.A.M.P.L.E" classics as always and again a faltless set, remarkable for a first on Tuesday night band. Opium(do they ever not do anything but gig?) matched Roostars performance with a short but snappy 6 song set. Maybe tired in places, as good as ever with jumps galore.The bands Long-term intentions seem to be crystal clear now, catchy tunes and killer riffs, none of their fabled cover band past, I for one still have every tune stuck in my head, bastards. Snoog the headliners took the stage to a roar from their rabble, who were small, but plentiful as their happerly roared through their set. A mixed style, sometimes punk, sometimes ska, sometimes rock meant something for everyone in their long set. Not enduring themselves to the barfly by telling them to "f##k themselves" at the end of their set summed up their slight unprofessionalism compared to the tight sounding bands to precend them, but not to take nething away, the night is theirs a very entertatining set. Leaving the barfly happy, I wondered if I would ever sleep again with rotating roostar and opium songs in my head, awesome.
Festerin Nun/ Snoog/ Petes Sake & Mook @ The Malsters Arms in Pontypridd
Wahay! The Malsters is back on form showcasing four of the best local bands on the same goddamn night! Mook kick things off with their no-nonsense punk stylings ripping through a set of their own stuff and with a few covers thrown in for good measure. Singer Dean C. gets the adrenalin going with his aggressive vocals and new guy Dozza has great stage presence stripping down to some very 'old man' boxer shorts and jumping around there's something up his ass. (Demo's available: 'Fake' and others i believe) Next up is Petes Sake who keep the adrenalin at a high with their stage antics and ripping set. Singer Mike drips with sweat while screaming his lyrics, drummer Griff makes you wonder how he manages to make it all look so easy and James and Ryan look like their having a great time. You can always expect a good performance from Petes Sake but tonight they are exceptional. Tonight the songs are loud, catchy and brilliant. (Demo's available: 'Yesterday is Gone' and 'Lost For Words') Snoog follow with their mix of ska, funk and punk, helping to channel all the aggression into some very creative drunken skanking. Most impressive is drummer Damian who glides around his kit and never skips a beat. The band are energetic and prove poular with the audience. New songs feature in their set, most noticably 'Funky as Paul. (Demo available: 'Yes Sir I Can Boogie' plus a new one on the way. Finally, Festerin Nun are left with the task of headlining such a great night and they pull it off, getting straight into it with high energy riffage and all six members are jumping around like crazy. Mixing old-skool ska and punk they have everyone dancing. What a great night!! (No demos available yet)