The word 'apocalyptic' is over-used but it's the one we lazy hacks reach for every time when referring to bands like ...Trail Of Dead. And it's apt. The only thing missing from tonight's gig is teargas. A seething mass of post-'apocalyptic', neo-punk rockers are psyched up by newcomers Peaches and The Strokes before 50's throwbacks Rocket From The Crypt arrive.
Bedecked in El Mariachi style outfits the Crypt instantly inject an insane slab of country and western style showmanship to proceedings. Complete with their own horn section, the band blow their way through a fast, thrashy set, from Ramones-inspired punk pieces to hit single 'On A Rope'. Frontman Speedo, clearly a man possessed with a deep innver weirdness, repeatedly screams to the crowd, "Can you feel it?" like a TV evangelist seeking fresh souls. After two years away the Crypt have returned. But not to steal the headliners' thunder.
And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead come from Austin, Texas, a place where you might imagine such a band of misfits might well incur the wrath of such groups as the League Of Concerned Mothers. The four-piece are clearly a big "f**k you" to such Bible Belt reactionaries. Guitars are set loud. The drums pound and the music lurches between violent, thrashy moshing and calmer, quieter sections with effect laden guitars picking out slow discordant tunes.
While compared to many other combos, ...Trail Of Dead remain distinctive. There's a touch of Eels about their more mellow moments, Sonic Youth about their heavy, distorted bass and old skate punk tracks when they throw themselves into explosive crescendos of guitar.
Inner anger drives the band through the set, the songs melding together to form a continual soundtrack of angst. From the opening 'MDC' and 'Mistakes And Regrets' the band flash around the stage, swapping guitars and whipping up feedback or slumping disconsolately as their music plums soulful depths. It's clear they want to connect with their people. Quite literally it seems as bassist Neil Busch throws himself over the rail and into the pit.
They throw a guitar into the crowd quipping, "That's how we get most of our gear", before destroying the drum kit in a feedback drenched finale, sending bass drums, toms and various band members soaring above the crowd. Marvellous!
Images: Angela Lubrano
