Phinius Gage & The King Blues
Agitated punkers and ‘doo-wop’ ska band create a storm in Brighton
Phinius Gage & The King Blues
Phinius Gage opened up to a crowd who looked on slightly nonchalantly, but that didn’t stop the Brighton punkers from putting their all into the show. Starting with a selection of songs from their older albums; ‘Fire’s Burning’ and ‘Understand’ and playing with such contagious enthusiasm that I couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across my face.
A few members of the dispersed crowd shared the energy displayed by this gruff looking band, dancing along and occasionally shouting the few lyrics they knew of the fast, raw songs. It became apparent that they aren’t just about the tunes and have a deeper meaning to their songs. This was clear when bassist Mike Scott declared that one of their songs ‘Got Away With Words, Got Away With Murder’ is about vegetarianism. He then risked a stab at people who indulge in bacon sarnies whilst standing proudly wearing a vegan design t-shirt.
Engrossed with watching them interact and throw themselves around the small stage, I noticed the singer Ade had trouble controlling his saliva during this show. This display left me slightly perturbed, and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one. Managing to not slip on Ade’s spittle; Phinius Gage played a superbly passionate set in their hometown, sharing their punk influences and warming up the small crowd. Then The King Blues hit the stage.
Hit the stage they certainly did! By the time The King Blues had brandished a white sheet taped to the rear wall with Gaffa tape displaying words ‘The King Fuckin’ Blues’, the crowd had shuffled and edged forward with anticipation. They opened with an instrumental introduction and begun teasing the crowd with their talent; before diving head first into the set.
Their blend of instruments was ‘unique’: the 6 members consisting of a standard two-guitar-drum-bass combo. Plus they also managed to cram a percussionist with bongos and assorted hand-held instruments onto the stage. Vocalist Itch switched between his ukulele and tenor melodica for the introduction to some songs.
The floor was bouncing midway through their first song, and by the third, beer had begun flowing and limbs flailing. The tiny venue quickly turned into a seething mass, dancing rhythmically to the funky beats. It’s difficult to confine this band to a genre, they show strong reggae influences, which they arftfully blend with a ska beat. Lyrically they show a political passion.
The King Blues gripped of the audience, encouraging them to sing the words to ‘Come Fi Di Youth’ after achieving a massive ‘fuck you’ to the BNP from the whole venue. With an honest display of their political influence and unique musical style so well put together that it is hard to fault this stunning performance. Confidently striking chords on a ukulele, front man Itch could not look more natural stood at stage-front. The entire band were laughing and smiling with each other during songs, each member clearly having a good time.
The King Blues weren’t all dancing fun though. Towards the end of their set they played a slow number containing the words ‘you look beautiful tonight’, the result? Clambering onto sweaty shoulders and brandishing lighters. Another glorious moment, thay had those unfamiliar with this band singing to songs they have never heard before. For the finale, The King Blues displayed their a cappella influences with a superb rendition of the Italian partisan song ‘Bella Ciao’ with guitarist Fruitbag showing off a beautiful voice. Bellowing out foreign words (meaning ‘goodbye beautiful’), all fists were in the air and each soul filled with a passion for this band.
“We played for fucking days!” exclaimed vocalist Itch in a later interview, but to be fair, I don’t think anybody complained.
Reviewed by Amy Russell @ , Brighton Concorde 2, September 23rd.
This is an entry for the Beachdownwriter Competition
Tags: Beachdownwriter
What's on your mind?
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March 26th 2009 | 1
My Life Thinking says:
Wow, This looks great, Tanks for sharing!
My Life Thinking’s last blog post..What you are going to do in the Dark for one Earth Hour?
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Andrew Palermo says:
Nothing else has to be said but: absolutely amazing
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meee says:
brilllll
