This was actually at the Cardigan Arms, Leeds.
Picture this – a large bedroom decorated with awesome wallpaper and two large mirrors at each end, with a fireplace sugly situated behind the drummer. Yeah, that’s The Cardigan Arms – the most snug punk rock venue ever. Then cram 90 people into a 60 acapacity space and you’re cooking on gas. I’d hate to think what it would have been like if I’d have actually advertised this gig anywhere. Anyway, a three band mini-bash, put on as a favour to the ROUTE 215 boys – and as always the kids turn out in force. We cannot thank you enough. I’ll cut the crap anyway – on to the review.
A DESTRUCTIVE ISSUE are going places. They have an average age of around 16 but are more talented than most bands. Playing an Alexisonfire/Stories and Comets hybrid the quartet rock the fuck out for 30 minutes. Definitely raw around the edges, I think they probably bemused the crowd who were baying for SB6. Still, there is so much talent here that despite being plagued with a poor sound, and the strange surroundings, ADI win over new friends. You’ll be hearing a lot more from them – trust me. (7.5)
Most people are here to see SONIC BOOM SIX and it’s not hard to see why. I think I’m in the minority when I say that on record SB6 are still trying to find their sound, but live it is a different ballgame. They probably have the worst of the sound problems but still entertain the skanking masses at the front. Tracks like ‘The Devil Made Me Do It’ are little gems and by the end of the year SB6 will be on the tip of most people’s tongues. Top people too, if you’re yet to see them you’re missing out. (8.5)
ROUTE 215 are quite possibly the country’s best pop-punk band, although I’m sure they don’t like me tagging them as such. They’re tight live, even when the fire’s on, and tracks like ‘Zombie Movies’ are aired for the first time in god knows how long. ‘Steal Your Soul’ is still the best melodic record you don’t yet own, but I still feel it’s a case of when and not if that the band get their big break. The album’s title track is the best part of the night for me mind, with Rod scaling the walls and jumping 20ft into the crowd. After the cool factor of SB6, 215 bring a whole new meaning to the term getting high…(8.5)
Paul