It’s been a while since I’ve popped into The Banshee Labyrinth, but here we are to catch up with the boys from local band Bad Knees. We also have post-punk/grunge band Versaints from Ludlow, Shropshire, and the surfy garage local Edinburgh band The Shorez.
We have a nice crowd by the time The Shorez open the show tonight with their foot-tapping single from last year, “Virtue.” The song takes you back to those early USA garage bands but with a bit of The Dandy Warhols thrown in. The song features great guitar work, and the drums have that real vintage sound going, making for a great start to the night. They play a few more songs in the same vein, including a really nice version of The Cramps’ “Goo Goo Muck,” which suits their vibe perfectly. The boys end a short but very enjoyable set with another single from last year, “768.” I defy you not to tap your feet and smile along with it—definitely my favourite from their set tonight. If you like a bit of that vintage grunge surf, then these are the boys for you. I’ll definitely be catching them again.
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Up next are the English boys, Versaints, who have a nod to The Stooges and the post-punk grunge of Nirvana. They power through a set of punchy tunes, with standout tracks like “Lucky” and “Aneurysm,” as well as their upcoming new single, “Lahaine.” The boys end a very vibrant set with their recent single, “Streets Is Dead.”
Their guitarist was outstanding, with a unique style reminiscent of Kurt Cobain, and their drummer certainly knew his way around the kit. If you like early grunge and late-era British punk like the Buzzcocks, you will love them, as they have an intensity missing from many bands these days. If anything, the bass player could loosen up a bit more and move around to keep up with the other two.
These boys will certainly be getting another visit from yours truly should they venture up this way again. A wee shout-out to the main band, Bad Knees, as they lent the guitarist one of their guitars when he snapped a string, which, given his playing style, was not much of a surprise. Plus, a certain Bad Knees drummer joined them for a sing-along as well. All in all, it was just a fabulous set.
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The main band now, local lads Bad Knees, whom I caught recently at only their second gig opening for Electric Eel Shock at Bannermans back in March. The boys kick off their set with “Getting Started” before the pounding drums of their recent single “French Bulldog” kick in. They are definitely more into it tonight, moving about more than last time, which makes a big difference to the whole vibe.
The Nirvana/Britpop-infused “Something in the Water” has much more punch tonight, as do all the songs. They look a lot more relaxed than the last time, and it’s definitely paying off. David is pounding those drums at the back, and it’s nice to see Matthew on bass looking a lot more comfortable on stage. The boys cranked through a short but perfect set tonight, including one of my favourites, the Undertones-infused “Rotten Teeth.”
There may have only been a few months since I last saw the boys, but they have moved on leaps and bounds, including Michael playing guitar on his back at one point. I’ll definitely be watching their progress with interest. If you want to catch a bit of what they sound like, check out their three-track demo on Soundcloud. Most of all, get out there and support your local bands and always get in early to check out the support bands, as you never know who you will see.
Photos by Coops Gig Photography
