Theatre Of Hate, Skeletal Family.

Lev 2 Bedford Esquires. Friday 15th August 2014.

The highest possible praise must be heaped upon The Pad Presents who salvaged an evening for both Theatre Of Hate and Skeletal Family, plus a number of people attending hoping to see the bands in a different place. These are two pioneering bands who were at the forefront of the early eighties post-punk goth movement. Tonight they were originally booked to appear at the inaugural Alt-Fest in Kettering. This event had promised a virtual who's who of diverse and industrial alternative bands and artists. Unfortunately, just two weeks before the festival was due to begin, the plug was pulled. The cancellation was sudden and shockwaves escalated throughout social media. People who had booked tickets (many from around the world) were naturally furious and annoyed at such an organisational shambles. Of course, nothing can make up for their heartbreak, but this hastily arranged gig went a little way to heal over the bitter wounds of the non existent Alt-Fest.

It is almost two years to the day since Anne Marie Hurst last stepped on the main stage. That night she was fronting Ghostdance. On this occasion she is with her preceding band Skeletal Family. They formed in 1982 and, with a lot of split ups and line up changes in between, 2014 finds the band in good health. A naturally dark and atmospheric intro finally gives way to the five musicians performing "So sure". It's a strong start as this was an indie no 2 in 1984. The band are not in a usual stage position as the drummer is placed on the right hand side. The age range here looks to be forty plus, but the venue has filled up early and quickly. If it isn't sold out it doesn't look far off. The devotion and eagerness of the attendees is also relevant. On hearing the opening track, many possibly would have thought that this set was going to be nostalgia driven as this song comes from the "Burning oil" album. This debut topped the independent charts, but consequently Skeletal Family only play two more from that 1982 offering, namely "Someone new" and "The wind blows".

The band appear to be very philosophical about the recent turn of events and when a temporary guitar glitch occurs, Anne Marie admits "It's been that sort of day"! She then smiles and adds "We are not as young as we used to be". "Move" opens with the inevitable gothy drum thumps and swirling guitars. The crowd are quickly in the mood and don't need an invite, but Ms Hurst dances about the stage and encourages everyone "It's time to move". Skeletal Family dedicate the aforementioned "Someone new" to Penny who is here this evening. She came all the way from Australia for the cancelled festival. To also note, our sound engineer spoke to a couple of American people in a nearby pizza shop who had also been let down. Visually, Skeletal Family look good. Anne Marie has her shock of red streaked hair and a guitarist dazzles everyone as he has a gold crucifix that constantly catches the lights. Their forty five minute set is appreciated and there is mutual admiration between band and crowd at the close as they both sportingly applaud each other. It's that kind of night I suppose.

Theatre Of Hate formed way back in 1980 and made their name primarily as a live band rather than studio based. Their debut album "Westworld", released in 1982, was produced by Mick Jones. Fronted by Kirk Brandon (also known for other band Spear Of Destiny), he still sports the same bleached blonde hairstyle which was a fixture in the early eighties music press. On a warm stage, he wears a long sleeved shirt and is constantly tugging at it to try and draw in some fresh air to his wiry body. I've always felt that Mr Brandon had the demeanour of a fully fledged curmudgeon, However, with a hint of a grin he greets everyone present with "Hello Bedford. This is your alternative Alternative Fest"!

What enhances Theatre Of Hate is the lush sound of the saxophone, expertly played and utilised in most songs throughout the ninety minute set. Without the breezy brass, most of the songs are fairly samey and it does seem to take a while for the crowd to fully engage. Never a fan during the band's brief heyday, it is only their minor hit "Do you believe in the Westworld?" that stirs my musical juices. It still sounds as fresh as when it was endlessly played on Radio 1 during the early weeks of 1982. Saying very little during the gig, Kirk seems to speak through his wide scary eyes. He brings their top twenty hit to life and the lyrics still chill to the bone "Don't kill each other, it ain't peace, this is genocide". Their songs have a relentless feel to them, like marching music, slow and steady. This is noticeable on "The hop" which begins the encore. The drum beats of "Solution" are of an eighties time. Kirk Brandon seems happy with the result of the evening and leaves everyone with a more than genuine "Thanking you". As I said, it's that kind of evening.

Set lists:

Theatre Of Hate:- The Wake, Rebel without a brain, Poppies, Omen of the times, Judgement hymn, Legion, Americanas, My own invention, Original sin, Incinerator, Conquistador, 63, The aria, Grapes of wrath, Propaganda, Do you believe in the Westworld?, The hop, Solution.

Skeletal Family:- So Sure, Lies, Don’t Be Denied, She Cries Alone, When I Call, Move, Someone New, Last Train, Promised Land, The Wind Blows.