Club Q – Ashford – Bank Holiday 27.05.13 Review
by Sarah Quinn – GIGgle Pics & Kent Sessions
- Slam Cartel
- Crashgate
- Thumbscrew and the Flicknife Barber
- Jukebox Monkey
The second gig put on by Below the Radar Events and Promotions at Club Q in Ashford proved a huge success. By 7.30pm the floor was already filling up and by the time headline act, Slam Cartel hit the stage the place was very nicely crowded. Lots of familiar faces but also many new ones filled the venue, proving that these nights are very much needed and wanted.
At this point I must mention that Bobb Pineapple was in attendance, having shared the stage with Rage Against the Machine, the night was hugely honoured!
Jukebox Monkey – A four piece Rock band from Kent. I’ve now had the pleasure of reviewing them on a couple of occasions at different venues in Kent, and it’s always a pleasure. Having reviewed before, I’ll post links here to the previous and keep this short, as going over old ground is never helpful… (Rokanrolla 28.02.13 Review – the main one to read & 25.04.13 Beercart Arms Review). This gig was no exception and although there was a minor technical issue with sound, as always the guys blew both myself and the audience away. This was an Ashford debut for the band and talking to the crowd they went down a treat. A band with HUGE amounts of energy who always put on a fantastic visual performance as well as sound. With all the hundreds of bands I have seen, their drummer, “Animal”(my nickname for him) is still the most animated I have ever seen. This is hard, loud rock, move yourself around rock; and I’m damn sure they will be playing more and more gigs in the coming months as momentum spreads. If you like your Rock hard and energetic, this is a band for you!
Thumbscrew and The Flicknife Barbers – A four piece Rockabilly/Punk band hailing from Ashford that I’ve seen once before and was really looking forward to seeing again. This band has attitude in abundance, but in the most endearing way (I’m sure they won’t particularly like me saying that!) If you don’t believe me, head over to their Facebook page and read their “about” section and have a listen to some of the tracks on there! I was asked a few times to describe them, awesome but favour the C word a lot, was what I came up with. That’s both in lyrics but also in stage banter and there is much of that. The lead vocalist is a real smart one, but in a way that actually really doesn’t offend. He’s extremely comical and I’d dare anyone to take him on with a heckle, I’ve witnessed the snap back and humiliation that ensues, but with a witty tone. Cheeky chap that can get away with almost everything I think. Their sound… not something you will hear out on the scene very often. The lyrics are hard hitting and to the point, they are not laced with messages; the message and meaning slap you full front in the face. No mistaking what they are conveying to you here. Their stand out song to me is always Faceache… it’s not for the feint hearted though so be warned. I personally love this band, they have huge appeal to me but if you are easily offended, you have no business being anywhere near these lads!
Crashgate – A five piece Rock band from Deal who have recently released their debut album which has been received exceptionally well. It’s extremely well produced, coming out of Hidden Track Studios and produced by Oli Craggs from Feed the Rhino , which means that the quality is exceptional. As is their live performance of the new material. I reviewed this band recently at a Beercart Arms gig in Canterbury, where they performed again with Jukebox Monkey (25.04.13 Beercart Arms Review). The performance at this gig was no exception, hugely catchy songs with deep, meaningful lyrics. It’s evident they are all heartfelt and based on personal experience, as front man Craig will happily tell you. His Welsh voice is unique and unmistakeable and his performance always draws the crowd in, wanting to be part of it. A hugely talented bunch or musicians backing him and you have yourself something rather special. I recommend you check these guys out, as for me, their live performance is always top class and showcases them to their utmost best.
Slam Cartel – A five piece Hard Rock band hailing from around London and Kent. Their debut album “Handful of Dreams” is released worldwide and currently receiving a lot of radio airplay. It’s a rare thing to be able to go and see them at a local gig, as they tour all over the country and there was a large turn out to watch them. It’s very clear these guys have a large fan base and as they hit the stage I knew this was going to be an entertaining set. I’ve reviewed them once before at the Beercart Arms, so knew what to expect and to be on my toes with the camera (07.03.13 Beercart Arms Review). Glancing down at the set list I counted 13 tracks and there was not a chance of this fitting into the 45 minute set. I was right and they ended up playing for well over an hour and unfortunately due to the time of finishing, a lot of people had left by the end. This is a hugely experienced band with a very unique sound. When they mentioned that the last song would be a brand new one, I was very interested to hear it. The first song produced by the band that they have all had a hand in writing. This left me wondering if it would still have the same Slam Cartel sound to it. It does, although I would say somewhat more intricate, due to each band member having brought their own abilities to it. I’ll be interested in hearing what else they bring to the table in the coming months. My only gripe with these guys is; as they go along they get so enthusiastic and turn their levels up. By the end of the gig the vocals are drowned out to a degree with is a huge shame. If you get a chance to catch them, do, as they rarely perform in the local area!
Oh and what of Bobb I hear you ask? Well, when I left he was still rocking out in the corner!
Sarah Quinn – GIGgle Pics & Kent Sessions
Find Jukebox Monkey on Facebook
Find Thumbscrew and The Flicknife Barbers on Facebook
Find Crashgate on Facebook
Buy their Album on Amazon
Find Slam Cartel on Facebook
Official Website
Here follows a very small amount of photography from the evening. For the full nights photo’s, please go to Facebook, this gig only
Photography by Sarah Quinn – GIGgle Pics & Kent Sessions
GIGglepics 