Sunday, 14 October 2012

GIG - Brookers Bar, Chester


LINE UP: Braxton Hicks, Jed is Dead

(review n pix by philip milton) – Up next are the recently formed Braxton Hicks featuring local legend Joe Hovis on lead vocals and guitar, alongside the infamous former 4Q / Sons of Selina member Neil Crud playing bass and Vladimir Fuxleep Nightshade on drums. The first thing that came across upon hearing them was that they were bucking the more conventional trend of hardcore styles by playing fast but clean. By this I mean Joe was rocking a clean twanging guitar sound and vocals that are determined to be heard to the last syllable. And Crud who played a fast but melodic style of bass that you just couldn’t help bobbing your head to. The next thing was how together they were as a group, ok all three of them have been in bands and the crowd wasn’t huge, but the easy candour, jokes (normally aimed at Vladimir’s super fast paced playing) and the tightness at which they played for a group that only formed in July this came as a true surprise, and with only one gig the Friday before under their belt it shows promise that they’ll be a force to be reckoned with for a great time to come.

Now to the music; they still have only a short set list but it is of their own material, it’s a fast paced social commentary of the things around them that they find disappointing. Whether it’s the government (Government To Be), a former love (a lot less romantic than I think they thought) (Get Outta My Head) or the loss of a dear friend still sorely missed (Gone Fishin’), each song is played full on with an intent to be felt and understood. The playing style reminds me of the Dickies and a little of their influences being Bad Religion and the Dead Kennedys (for more information on these influences go to their website). Of the vocal stylings I’d definitely agree with them that they’re in the same vain as the Subhumans and the Inner Terrestrials, but with Joe as their front man they do have a practised biting vocal styling that is all of their own. I’m going to enjoy watching this band evolve and expand their material, and whole heartedly recommend to people that are looking for something slightly off the wall and original to check them out.

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