Bouncing Souls - London Mean Fidder - 10/2/07
4/5
By: Hannah Thomas
The Mean Fiddler is as ever authentically sweaty, dark and full of flailing bodies. The crowd, having been warmed up by the lively if slightly forgettable three piece Tat (currently touring with The Bouncing Souls), are relatively friendly this evening, although they don't make any attempt to disguise their impatience for the arrival of the night's well travelled headliners.
Tat are followed by The Draft, a likeable dose of considerable noise, who are comprised out of, amongst other folk, three quarters of now defunct and near legendary punk rock outfit Hot Water Music. They play a very competent live set with numbers from their debut 'In a Million Pieces', but the crowd's reception when Bouncing Souls arrive onstage gives an indication of just what a grander following this band have.
This New Jersey outfit are well known for their exuberant live sets and devout fan base, and have been a credible and enduring influence on the punk landscape after their 15 or so years in the business. They've amassed a wonderful catalogue of catchy underground gems, with the welcome addition of their new offering 'The Gold Album' to that canon of work.
They're a real treat to watch, making it clear that they've existed in this often fickle business long enough to know what really works. The love this band has for making and performing music is patently obvious, and consequentially highly infectious. Subsequently the crowd is enthusiastic but still respectful, as evidenced when vocalist Greg jumps off from the stage and on to the barrier, the audience restrain themselves to friendly pats on the shoulder instead of the mauling some rock stars would have to endure.
All in all, it's a genuinely great show, a gig that's all about the music with no pretension or moments of ego. There's something slightly, comfortingly old fashioned about the way this band operates, and with a truly great arsenal of songs to their name tonight they're a breath of fresh air to the ever congested Charing Cross Road.
All photographs copyright Hannah Thomas 2007
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