Sweet n Sour at the Welly Club Thursday 19th August 5678's, 59 Violets and The Morphines By Andy Dykes

Photograph Gallery   The Morphines Gallery 1   Gallery 2   Gallery 3   59 Violets Gallery 1   Gallery 2   5678's Gallery 1   Gallery 2   Gallery 3

I've heard tonight's openers The Morphines described as something like Ian Curtis singing with The Clash. If my musical arithmetic is correct, then The Morphines should sound something like Sham 69. And they do. A bit. While the garage rock revival grips the world like nuclear war, The Morphines hark back to an era of punk in which distorted guitars and bellowed vocals are the weapons of choice.

In their more sensitive moments The Morphines really do sound like Joy Division. But such moments don't last long, giving way to manic changes in tempo and old skool punk power.

This is the second time in two weeks that I've reviewed 59 Violets, but it's not getting boring. If anything, they're demonstrating what a hardworking band they are. And the hard work's paying off. This is the biggest stage I've seen them play on and tonight they play the tightest set I've heard them play. In The Welly tonight, with the big stage, impressive lights and huge sound system, 59 Violets look and sound like a band who can really rock.

Their brand of riff orientated, melodic indie translates really well in tonight's setting and the crowd respond well.

The 5,6,7,8s arrive on stage in sparkling dresses and look thoroughly amused by the warm, enthusiastic reception they receive. They start playing and what is immediately apparent is the quality of the musicianship. In particular, the guitarist has a habit of belting out some pretty spectacular licks. Banter with the crowd rarely extends beyond hello and thank you, which isn't particularly surprising given that all of the songs are in Japanese.

But every bit of English that the The 5,6,7,8s reel off is applauded by tonight's audience who seem to appreciate the effort.

For a while I wonder if The 5,6,7,8s are going to be outrageously cool and not play Woo-hoo. And then they play it. I can't help feeling that most of the people at The Welly tonight are here off the back of Kill Bill Volume 1, or a certain television advert. It's as if people have come along for the fun of it, rather than as die-hard fans. And there's nothing wrong with that.

Except as such, The 5678s seem to get the treatment of a novelty band. Which I don't think they are. Even if all of their songs do sound like variations of Wipeout.

But whether or not The 5678s agree with me is irrelevant. On stage they're having a great time and seem genuinely happy to be here. There's a look of ecstasy on the drummer's face as she shakes her maracas in one track. No, that's not some seedy innuendo; I'm merely stating the facts. And the crowd are having a great time too, dancing along to the crazy noise created by a mildly irate sounding Japanese lady shouting over some surf music.

Quote of the night comes from Archie who describes The 5678s as Quiksilver style Japanese punk ska. Full stop. He's very eager that I get the wording right. It's simple, but effective. A bit like the band.

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Photograph Gallery   The Morphines Gallery 1   Gallery 2   Gallery 3   59 Violets Gallery 1   Gallery 2   5678's Gallery 1   Gallery 2   Gallery 3

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