Tonight begins with a major disappointment: the promised rum and coke
floats are unavailable. The CCA weren’t keen on the potential mess,
explains a barman, and though he could maybe rustle one up for us, “it’d
probably be expensive.” We opt for beers, dolefully wondering if the
night will ever recover from such a damaging blow.
It does, and then some. North American War light the
match, bringing the crowd closer using squalling noise-rock and Anna
Schneider’s aloof vocals as lure. The dynamic brings Sonic Youth to
mind, an exalted point of comparison that NAW measure up to ably. By the
time the last lick of feedback’s been stifled, the room is full and
expectant.
PAWS swiftly set about stoking the flames. Things
start civilised: heartfelt opener Catherine 1956 is respectfully
received, as are the next couple of slices of crunchy fuzz-rock. But
when Phil Taylor notes that the photographer leaping speakers front of
stage is the most animated body in the room, the hint is taken with
both hands. With no barriers or security, crowd surfing breaks out en
masse, as the front rows take turns atop in a never-ending flow. Behind
them, PAWS power through the bulk of Cokefloat and more, with Jellyfish and Boregasm the ante-uppers and Misled Youth’s
Bainz the pick of those offering space to catch breath amidst the
sugar rush assault. Whoever nixed the actual cokefloats knew what they
were doing: tonight was messy (and awesome) enough without.
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