First band up, Little Hell. Not exactly very hellish looking group of both sexes but a confident and polished act with a number of well written and performed songs which should be scaring ‘the hell out of’ a number of more established guitar bands. Immediately they charm as a friend of the band manages to get a permanent wristband stuck on everyone in the venue, advertising the bands website. With some well spat out lyrics as well as a number of soft, capturing melodies the determined singer seems to have a love hate relationship with the audience. She has good reason to be poised so self-assuredly leaning into the crowd, as if she’s ever in fear of falling the strong songs will hold her up no problem.

Another pleasing thing about this band playing live is that as well as being accomplished at playing their instruments they all seem happy to be there (not one glance at their shoes never mind anything that could be considered a gaze!). Their bouncing exuberance is certainly catching, as the venue starts to fill those who would usually head straight for the bar instead curiously find them selves stopping by the stage for a listen. With the lyrics from their quirky and bouncy song, which will no doubt become their anthem “we’re the winners you’re the losers” getting quickly stuck in everyone’s heads it seems sure that they will soon be on the winning side.

If Little Hell made you smile, next band Fungus make a great big grin break out on your face. Perhaps one of the most hardworking touring bands in Britain, Fungus are, as always, oozing with enthusiasm. The crowd continues to fill the venue as they play but remain almost as disappointingly static as they were for Little Hell. However a number of folks at the front have been completely infected by Fungus’ trademark quirky, energetic songs and are bouncing round quite happily.

Fungus can’t really be faulted, as always they put their all into getting the crowd moving and admittedly enjoying themselves. However some annoyance can be seen as one or two stony-faces remain in the crowd. However for the majority of the crowd even if they’re not bouncing around they let a smile spread across their faces. Caroline has to be one of the happiest drummers ever as she does a great impression of Bam-Bam on speed, pounding out catchy rhythms. The rest of the band are equally animated as they spring and ricochet across the stage. Tracks from their previous mini-album Fungusamungus, go down well, not needing any spoonful of sugar at all, along with new singles A fanclub would be nice and Rebel all bouncing gems of songs.

L7 were always going to be the highlight of the evening on this their highly awaited tour on these shores (only 5 dates before they go off to re-conquer the rest of the world). Perhaps best remember over here for their shinanigans on ‘The Word’ and at 96’s Reading festival, they can officially be regarded as some of the founders of the riot grrrl movement. With a new bassist completing the line-up after last years album Slap-happy was completed with only Donita, Suzi and Dee, the band seemed comfortable with each other and not affected too much by the vigourous touring schedule they have given themselves. Looking just as energetic as their songs suggest they cavort and thrash around as only great rock/grunge greats can.

Suzi thankfully ditched the odd Brando-esque hat which she came on wearing after the first song, as they re-affirmed their position as some of the leading ladies of rock. With some great onstage banter (free Charles and Shirley Manson for all!?) and with gratified crowd shouting out various messages their was also the faction screaming ‘we love you,’ proving that L7 can create a great connection with the crowd.

They successfully ran through lots of tracks from their great growing volume of back catalogue albums with the crowd moshing and crowdsurfing along greatfully. Highlights most definitely included Andre, Shitlist and Pretend we’re Dead (remember that ‘Word’ performance!). Despite a slight disappointment at them not playing much requested Baggage L7 more than made up for this by storming through a few of the lesser known tracks from The Beauty Process and Slap happy. Along with their great stage presence, Donita also endeared herself to us by dedicating a track to the great security present who were admitedly doing a great job (a thing us crowdsurfers were particularly thankful for).

Donita’s outstanding voice is still as capturing as it ever was (for those who haven’t heard her -a phlemgy soul, twisted love/hate, life of whiskey and cigarettes, throttled scream with a crisp but tender edge!). Perhaps the only thing at all irritating about the evening was the wondering if we will have to wait another few long years to see this triumphant riot of a band play here again.

Dawn Hoskin

Live Reviews
The Music Bar