This gig was the debut of Birmingham-based promoters ‘Lazy Two Steppers’, which has been much anticipated by Birmingham’s Punk scene. The gig saw the local up and coming Magnatas Court supported by Scumbag Season and Tightie Whities. For lovers of distorted guitar, intense vocals and more two-stepping than your shins can handle, this gig was just for you.
Scumbag Season
Scumbag Season started their first gig with a friendly greeting. For a first gig, all of the main aspects of a performance were absolutely on-point. Scumbag Season were able to engage their audience with their complex arrangements, passionate playing and, of course, Kirill’s trademark head-banging (which he somehow did while shredding a guitar).
Scumbag’s songs feature appropriate levels of variation with both the tone of their vocals (softer melodic parts, more rhythmic rap-like vocals and that iconic Punk ‘growl’ – all from different members of the band) and their dynamics, frequently including short rests between heavy playing, which really emphasised the intensity of this style of music. Scumbag then slowed down with guitar tones that created a more angsty and moody atmosphere, which suited the style well and included variety in the set to demonstrate their versatility.
To conclude their set, Scumbag’s front man was gifted an audience member’s flat cap via air travel (it got launched at him), which he wore right until the end. With their first gig over, Scumbag Season came off the stage to some very much earned kudos.
Tightie Whities
Tightie Whities are a band that can confidently interact with their audience. This creates a personal connection that transfers to the audience’s engagement with the music (as well as providing them with fun facts about Birmingham’s canals). Their arrangement can be summarised in 2 words: fast and heavy. Aggressive and intense music accompanied by vocals that were more melodic (and less ‘growl-y’) chants, which featured frequently in Tightie Whitie’s songs, were clearer for the audience to join in.
Tightie Whitie’s lyrics sometimes referenced political and social issues, which were accompanied by stylistically appropriate music. For example, their song about Putin was dramatic and eerie, which diversified from their faster songs. Tightie Whitie’s interaction with the audience did not limit itself to the stage, which peaked when the front man came into the audience to clear space for moshing, which was my cue to retreat to the back with my notepad and pen and document the storm that followed (and the photographers’ cue to protect their expensive equipment from the unbridled chaos). While I fully expected people’s shins to start giving way to the impact of each others’ footwear, the audience was good at taking care of each other and making sure nobody got hurt, while not taking away from the sheer intensity of this iconic punk dance move, which is a well-balanced attitude that I feel was endorsed and contributed to by the sense of community created by Tightie Whities.
In case you’re wondering, this mosh pit was absolutely not a unique occurrence…
Magnatas Court
Magnatas Court demonstrated a slight change in sub-genre to their support, which was funkier and more rhythmic. One of Magnatas Court’s many strengths is engaging with their audience by talking in a confident way and joking around which made a much more authentic and personal experience, and also with their catchy songs, memorable riffs and exciting stage presence. The varied drumbeats intertwined well with the rap-like vocals which created a strong rhythm that was perfect to two step to.
When Magnatas Court’s front woman wasn’t attempting to swallow the microphone, she used it to encourage the audience to put their hands up, clap and, most importantly, mosh (yes, mosh more). Magnatas Court’s catchy vocals and unique riffs then encouraged audience members to take to the sky, in one of the less spacious crowd surfs I’ve seen.
Magnatas Court embraces an alternative image, which suits their style perfectly and makes the experience of their live sets much more immersive and exciting to watch, as a result. The audience singing the words to the songs was one way that Magnatas Court’s loyal fan base was demonstrated, as it shows how dedicated they are to consuming their music outside live settings.
Overall, this gig was a perfect night for alternative / punk rock fans, and was also one of the very few places that singer-songwriter Daisy Peacock will be spotted in a mosh pit. Lazy Two Steppers’ first gig was an absolute triumph and captured the aims of their brand perfectly. Magnatas Court, Tightie Whities and Scumbag Season all played exciting sets and engaged with their audience with confidence. Their music fits the style so well and their fashion and stage presences match. I’m excited to see what Lazy Two Steppers have on next!