Smash it Up! Dead or American, Windum Earl, The Favours, Minions of Jeffrey At the Adelphi, Hull Thursday 6th May 2004 By Dick Spring

Well, on the face of it, it looked like a somewhat strange billing, but the bringing together of these different strands of punk rock, two of which were from Hull, and though widely regarded as indie they contained ample loudness and blariness to qualify for the tag. Openers Minions of Jeffrey, appeared to have more people on stage than you will see in attendance at some shows.

Having travelled all the way over the Pennines from Bolton, and not really having time to catch their breath, they bounded through a rough and tumble, yet remarkably co-ordinated set of ska punk, that brought back memories of Hull's now legendary Mike Ward Allstars. Equal parts Skank, brass, harmonic vocals, and a dash of good old AFI style screamo, the reception was somewhat rapturous and rousing for them, which bodes well for the rest of the night.

The Favours, who without their usual horde of Favourettes (due, I was told, to an Internet worm preventing them from being emailed, though advertising for the show was pretty good, I must say) and without a sound check, tore straight into a set that was loud, fast and furious, something they are getting very adept at these days. It shows their love of playing shows, over the technicality of sound checks. With a couple of new tunes on display tonight as well, it was further demonstration of the rich vein of talent that exists in Hull right now, none more so than the awesome power that is Windum Earl.

A Hull 3 piece that always seem to exist on the periphery of Hull music, not quite fitting into any particular hole but at home on any line up. Having seen this band and been a champion of them many, many times, I never cease to be amazed at how a band can appear to get so much power and energy into their music, without even breaking into a sweat.

I would have to say that there is a touch of Nirvana about this band but not strictly in the music (which most definitely falls between Nirvana and My Bloody Valentine, as stated on the flyer - I also see a lot of Midway Still). It's a band that just gets on with doing their shit, whether anybody pays attention or not, and one invariably ends up spellbound.

Their billing tonight certainly reflected their quality and rising status. Having been entertained by the Hull contingent on tonight's show, you might well have expected the audience to start drifting away, as is usual at many Hull shows these days, but this was not the case. After what seemed like an eternity, Dead or American hit the gas and very quickly got into their stride. This four piece hailing from Stirling in Scotland, were down to do a brace of dates in The North East, which included Hull.

With a strong nod in the direction of Fugazi (circa In on the Killtaker and Red Medicine) it was indeed powerful stuff, though there were also hints of their fellow Scots - the now defunct Teenage Fanclub, with a good dollop of angrily screamed vocals that any self respecting AFI fan might have liked. Smash it Up has excelled itself once again by bringing another fine band into Hull, and if there is anyone with some influence reading this, then get this band (DoA) signed. They have the capability to do the business.

The audience tonight would appear to agree as not only did they stick around, but demanded an encore. I was surely a happy person for this gig. And let's hope that The Smash it Up night (organiser if you reading) keeps up this monthly shindig.

Minions of Jeffrey Gallery The Favours Gallery Windum Earl Gallery Dead or American Gallery Photographs courtsey and Copyright © Mo thisisull.com

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