UK Subs, First Wave, The Noxious Toys, Resistance 77.

Lev 1 + 2 Esquires Bedford. 5th June 2010.

We have reached the middle of the year and surely its time for as old-fashioned punk party. Tonight it duly arrived as regular ska and punk promoter Mojo is celebrating his birthday. As is the norm on these occasions, there is only one band who can fully service this requirement. Formed back in 1976, THE UK SUBS have been, even in their earliest days, a down to earth, no nonsense, relate to the people sort of band. With absolutely no pretensions, The Subs bonded with all their followers. In the subsequent years, nothing has really changed. Charlie Harper may be the wrong side of sixty, but he continues to perform with the conviction of a man who is totally certain that the spirit of punk is the most important thing on planet earth. The punk community, even today, is tightly knit. Young, old, skinhead, mohawk, boots, braces - together they congregate en masse. The mosh pit is the place to jump around, wave some fists in the air and, perhaps, join in and sing along to one of England's all-time classic punk bands.

Age has not diminished Charlie's commitment by a single ounce. Refreshed and refuelled by a pre-gig diet of lager, it's sad to report that we only get a token slice of his laconic between song banter, but bless him, he's still on top form! His statement to us is direct "Keep on rockin' till you die". Perhaps the only slight problem that the Subs encounter is when drummer Jamie Oliver suffers a bout of cramp. Guru Charlie immediately calls for medical assistance "Get him a tequila - with salt"!! Well, it seemed to do the trick, especially with "Tomorrows Girls" which Charlie dedicates to "the beautiful women at the front"! It's at this point that the inevitable 'greatest hits' package takes over. A deeply ironic "Teenage" is followed by "Warhead". This song turns out to be Mojo's birthday celebration anthem (it's to be reprised at the encore) as he lends his vocal cords to assist guvnor Charlie. Thankfully, I got my Subs fix later on as the band produced a blistering version of "C.I.D", still an all time favourite.

Supporting are FIRST WAVE, a Northamptonshire based band who seem to be inspired by, and completely idolise, The Clash. Although just a trio, thay even compose a tribute to the late, great Joe by calling it "Strummertime". It includes an outro snatch of "Clash City Rockers" and is to be followed by a cover of "Janie Jones". A confident front man, he reveals that the bands final and ultimate aim is "Rock 'n' roll Valhalla", a rip-roaring sound blast and the place where all the dead rock stars hang out!

Oh my days! What can possibly be said about THE NOXIOUS TOYS? They up the cringe ante right to the limit. This Essex quartet include an upright bass player who tries to have carnal knowledge of his instrument at every given opportunity! They also feature a hyperactive vocalist who is far to eager to strip his top off revealing his pale, wobbly belly. With the sweat glistening, it's not a pretty sight. Their collection of songs are far from memorable and, on one occasion, sickening in the extreme. Very much a band to forget.

RESISTANCE 77 are old punk attitude, but they do feature a follically superior guitarist who looks like he should be in a seventies prog band. In fact, short of unfurling a large Union Jack banner, this band unleash a patriotic fervour which gains from the upcoming World Cup campaign. They perform tracks from their "Broken Britain" album, due for release in August. "Everything That I Hate" and "Punk and I Will Never Die" build the atmosphere superbly. The British troops get recognition for their endeavours in Afghanistan with "Far Away", a lament to the suffering they endure in the name of peace.