King Prawn @ Cockpit
By Sean FlynnThis long awaited punk festival finally arrives in Leeds, but not to the punters' disapproval. With doors opening at four, most people are expecting local band, 25th Cock (as Rich from Not Katies informs me) to be arriving on stage soon, but instead they don't even bother to turn up.
After an hour of waiting and playing hangman with Rich from Not Katies (who are the coolest and best band I have ever met), Sonic Boom Six finally arrive in late, after a strenuous piss up in Cardiff, only an hour late. This five-piece rip through their energetic twenty minute set, with a nice mix of chirpy and aggressive vocals by the dual singers. Not many of the crowd really move to these young guns, but it's only early doors, and there's a whole day of punk rock fun ahead.
After Sonic Boom Six sneak off the stage, local band, Mr Shiraz burst onto the stage with their energetic Ska extravaganza. It's obvious that many of the crowd are here to see Mr Shiraz, as they suddenly start to fling themselves every which way to the wacky antics and cool songs about Penguins. Even two brave souls decide to skank along on four-foot high stilts! Strange, but it really sums up this performance. Unusual, but highly entertaining.
After the excitement of the previous band, the crowd seems to be taking a breather when Fletcher stroll onto the stage. Although it is one of the very few punk rock bands on the bill today, playing exceptional three-minute punk songs, the vast majority just don't care, and pay no attention. Maybe following Mr Shiraz was just too hard an act to do? Or maybe the hangover from Cardiff took effect too much.
When Not Katies run onto the stage though, everything changes. Another punk-rock band on a Ska day, but lead singer Rich seems to stir up the crowd to get them back rocking on their feet. This Southampton five piece quickly slam straight through their set, leaving no time for anyone to get any breath back in the mesmerising heat of the Cockpit. When Two halves of two finally arrives to the crowd's delight (which has been buzzing around P Rock and Scuzz music channels). This is a sign of a great band to come. Quite unsuited for a Ska day, but they still are able to create quite a reaction from the unwilling crowd.
Unfortunately, next is Whitmore. Screaming "WANT TO HAVE SOME FUN?!?" This just never happens. Not surprising really, when you have a beached whale for a drummer and Ming the merciless as singer. Playing incredibly predictable riffs and boring lyrics, why should I bother writing any more?
Finally, thank Mohammed, come King Prawn. Veterans on this bill, King Prawn really need no introduction. Their shortened 45-minute set goes down a treat with the locals, which almost makes them forget about the dire band who proceeded. Let's just hope that we'll see more bands like this in the near future.
