Save Ferris

There is a real air of excitement in The Garage tonight as all the flappy-shorts & rucksack-wearing skanksters begin to fill it to capacity in anticipation to the ska-punk heroes that’ve brightened up their world since the first horn parps of ‘The World is New’ first burst out of their speakers on their debut CD back in ‘97. Some of the kids here may have witnessed their truly incredible set at Reading two weeks before which saw Save Ferris totally blow the Concrete Jungle crowd away with their catchy melodies, groovy rhythms and vocalist Monique’s spine-tingly sexy performance.

But starting off tonight’s shenanigans, we’re treated to some talented ska action courtesy of Londoners Jesse James. Although clearly playing a well-rehearsed set of tuneful punky ska, with the obligatory horn section, they just seem to be a little below par compared to the effortless class of tonight’s headline band & fast-rising Derby rude-boys Lightyear.

Indeed, in their two years existence Lightyear have made a rapid ascension as the UK’s hottest ska act and have one of the most entertaining live shows you’ll ever see. As they cram all eight members on the tiny stage they play a set that’s unbelievably tight & adrenaline-fuelled, and witnessing all the hilarious stuff that’s going on onstage a comparison to Less Than Jake must surely be made. Highlights are the reappearing whoopy-cushion, the moment when all eight members click drum sticks in unison & a ‘barber quartet’ style break in one of the songs. Fucking awesome!

But it’s quite clear who most of tonight’s crowd have come to see. As soon as they take to the stage Save Ferris create an electric atmosphere which sees the excited crowd pogoing like mad to the happy, bouncy tunes that SF are so damn good at writing. All-out classics such as ‘Under 21’ and ‘It Means Everything’ are lapped up by an ecstatic audience that’re as much entertained by the gorgeous Monique’s low-cut top as the songs themselves. The fact that all this erupts in a small, sweaty, confined space further serves to enhance the intimacy and overall enjoyment of the evening.

After the set the band mingle with giddy members of the crowd before leaving them content with having witnessed one of the most goosebump-inducing, energy-filled shows of their life!