The Leif Ericcson

I always like going to punk gigs in Birmingham. Especially those DIY efforts because then you get to see more of those awesome unsigned punk bands that Brum seems to have in abundance. Tonight was no exception and although Lost Eleven *lose points with their guitarist’s hideously trendy shirt (you know the sort – black with white cuffs & collar) they gain them back with their fiery *Zeke-covering-Speedhorn *rock ’n’ roll attack. They confess they haven’t played a gig in a long time but with this kind of performance, and songs like *‘Do I Look Like A Man Who Doesn’t Want Half A Twix’, it’s maybe not quite time to put this little baby to sleep just yet.

Up next come hotly anticipated (if only by me) local lads The Killerest Expression. Those of you who’ve still not checked out their latest EP on In At The Deep End *should put it on the top of your priority list and get it at the nearest opportunity because Killerest have some of the most powerful and uplifting punk rock songs you will ever hear. But the best thing is live, all that energy that’s fighting it’s way out of the disc is let loose, the cosy confines of the Flapper augmenting a dynamic efficacy that’s in full flight by the closing *‘Mogadishu’, leaving you tingling and craving for more. Believe me, you need the Killerest in your life! Can that be stressed any more?

After Killerest come Manchester’s emo-punkers The Leif Ericcson. Rarely a week goes by where this lot haven’t played Manchester at least 4/5 times and it looks like this work-hard ethic is paying off. Due to tonight’s headliners pulling out (*One Car Pile-Up *due to their guitarist splitting up with his girlfriend!) The Leif Ericcson round off the evening with an impassioned set of quality punk rock ala *Hot Water Music *and the like, where the vocals are kinda half sung, half-shouted.

They have a 7” split with *Beecher *also on In At The Deep End so check out the website for details.