Pennywise / Strike Anywhere / A Wilhelm Scream / The Fuckwits

It's a full night of punk tonight in Sheffield Academy, leading up to a rare appearance (except for festivals) from California's Pennywise. The gig has been moved from Leeds Academy, I thought to the larger venue, but they are playing in the smaller back room. This makes for a more intimate gig, although the sound from the sides (away from the mosh pit swirl) is highly distorted...



The Fuckwits (of Sheffield) start of proceedings for the small crowd that have arrived early doors. Their sound is very similar to the Clash but without Joe Strummers vocals. They are brash, loud and in it for the fun of it. Song titles like 'Duty Free' and 'Kidnapper' give you a sense of their views...



Next up I am completely blown away by the sheer musicianship of A Wilhelm Scream. I feel embarrassed to have not found this Massachusetts Masters of Melodic Hardcore before now, seeing as they have been going since 1996. The guitar playing and bass playing of the energetic band is just jaw dropping to watch, at random points they play just the fret boards in a virtuoso style, then kick back with a highly intricate solo. Visually and musically astounding.

Songs like 'The Horse' and 'The King Is Dead' are fast paced, sweaty punches in the face, and the lucky few who know the band lead the way into going out of control for 'Famous Friends And Fashion Drunks'. One to watch out for now to be sure...



The place is pretty full now as Strike Anywhere start their set. They supply us with more melodic hardcore, where the catchy and fast paced rhythms are covered with dread headed Thomas Barnett's fierce De La Roche still delivery, and all on points of good cause. In the back room next to the most splendid merchandise stand I have ever seen, is information on the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society; punk with a cause.

The similarities between a faster Rise Against with the attitude of 7 Seconds is true, here is another band to stand in awe of. 'The Crossing' and 'The World' show their angst at the world they live in and how we are destroying it and should stand up. Powerful stuff delivered in a powerful way.



Pennywise now have the last hour to fill and fill it they do. 'Greed' is another thought-provoking song going out to politicians and bankers, as the band tell us that we can rule ourselves! If only it were true. 'Fuck Authority' carries on displaying their feelings for those with 'power and control'. 'Straight Ahead' whips up the crowd into a real frenzy, and the band tell us to let loose in the mosh pit and lash out as you can't do it to your boss! The circle pit the crowd oblige in giving to the guys is vicious too, although after three hours of three and a half punk bands the booze starts to make some fans a little clumsy (the sticky floor helps keep most of the upright though!).

'Searching' and a pumped up version of Ben. E King’s 'Stand By Me' are great ways to temporarily end the set and give the crowd a breather before they come back to finish the night and play one of their most popular songs 'Bro Hymn', a tribute to three of the band's friends ("Brotherhood's our rule we cannot bend").

Ever Single Day
My Own Country
Can't Believe It
What If I?
Peaceful Day
Same Old Story
Living For Today
Greed
Society
Waiting
Fuck Authority
Straight Ahead
Nowhere Fast
Searching
Something To Live For
Stand By Me

Hey Sick - Alien
Bro Hymn

FUTURE GIGS

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