If you’re opening a newly-refurbished music venue, what better way to christen your pristinely painted walls, fresh flooring and sound system, than a riotously fun, filthy, four-act punk gig? That’s exactly how the Cask & Keg thrust their downstairs club into life, and joyful, anarchic revelry it was, too.
The venue – upstairs and down – was heaving, and tinged with anticipation, as per any launch night where all and sundry come to have a nosey. There was, for those sampling the more refined but relaxing decor of the vast upstairs, the delights of Dan Parker playing guitar and singing songs from his vast repertoire and in his inimitably engaging style.
Downstairs, the darker domain of the club felt spacious, before being filled with bodies eager to forge a mosh pit, of course. A punk gig usually guarantees a good turnout in these here parts, and the crowd was eager. Orchard were first to grace the new stage area. The duo – Joel on guitar, Rosie on drums, sharing the vocals – have recently been recording their second album, which you should definitely check out once it lands; but even more so, if you haven’t yet had the pleasure, catch them live – they’re as golden delicious as the fruit of the eponymous orchard. The set had their trademark energy, as well as some fresh elements through the newer tracks, and the blend of styles and genres was easy to appreciate. There was no shyness from the crowd either as the dance floor was filled to the front from the get-go.
Jenkem Revolt had something of a circle pit going from the outset, too, opening with Blind Eye. They belted through their socio-politically charged set, which included a brand new track, Serf, which really brought the fast beats and – as footage from the night which has circulated on social media shows – had the wall to wall crowd swaying and attentive as it changed pace and tone, before crashing back to rhythmic declaration. This punk five-piece raced through a number of their trademark tracks such as Trans-mission and Giz Us A Kiss, I’m An Anarchist, building eager moshers into a frenzy and fuelling the densely-saturated atmosphere.
Graham Watson certainly dress for an occasion, and on this particular outing lead singer and trumpeteer Ruben was the cricket gentleman – with a themed ‘bit’ coming mid-set where a quick ball of cricket was bowled. The trademark humour is in play but the playing is serious, and Post Session Sunday Mission is performed with particular zeal, the mock-drama of the scolding mother and the worse-for-wear son played to full effect. The Grahams always bring the slightly surreal and irreverent edge but the musicality is evident throughout, and they are on fine form tonight.
Of course, another Graham blessed the event, as is often the case at local punk gigs, and a special mention has to go to the rock and roll poet Graham Rhodes, on hand with a perfectly paired poem for every interlude – chosen, I learn from the man himself, in confluence with the evening: Graham has papers aplenty but picks his piece just moments before performing, a true artist interacting with the moment. The special mention is not for this, though, but for the fact this evening was also his birthday – a perfect way to spend it, and his offerings added to the sense of occasion in more ways than one.
Active Minds brought the night to a close but not before ripping the place up, figuratively (a few spilt beers was the only damage we witnessed to the fresh venue’s veneer); I abandoned attempts at notemaking because I felt obliged to get down to the front and dance. I mean, it would have been utterly rude not to, right? A.N.G.R.Y. was definitely a peak moment, not only for the frenetic muscle memory at play as Bobs and Set seemed to meld with their guitar and drums, but for the energy and connectivity of the crowd at this point. It was undeniably sweaty – probably dripping from the freshly painted ceiling at this point, and there was much jostling, all done in good spirits – you absolutely can feel safe and welcome in a mosh pit, and any bruises were purely accidental (whether given or received.)
After the gig, one of the bands posted about how great it is having a supportive punk scene where bands work together and audiences make the effort to support them; I’d like to hope that extends to all genres of original live music across our region (I mean, it is what we’re all about here at YCG), so whilst live original music is being offered a regular space at the Cask and Keg, we hope to see many local music lovers maintaining the effort, as much as continuing to support other venues who have been keeping the flame alive even when times have been limiting. A scene is its venues, its musicians and its audiences, and when they come together it’s a beautiful (and bruising), sweet (sweaty) and magical (moshtastic) thing.
Jenkem Revolt will be appearing again at the Cask on 7th November with openers Orchard and visiting punk bands Reina Roja and Captain South America; £5 but no one turned away for lack of funds.
Links:
Jenkem Revolt: Facebook : Instagram
Graham Watson: Facebook : Instagram
Active Minds: Bandcamp : Facebook
The Cask and Keg Scarborough: Facebook : Instagram for live music every weekend, upstairs and down.
