Levellers – Shepherds Bush Empire
December 10th, 2009 by RBRLevellers
Shepherds Bush Empire – 27th November 2009
You know how they have recently predicted a massive chill after the torrential rain we’ve been having? Well trust me, after waiting for the ever-delayed trains at London’s Shepherds Bush I am inclined to agree.
Opening tonight is Manchester’s Reggae-Punk leaders Sonic Boom Six. Led by the ever moving vocalist Laila Khan and backed by Bassist Paul Barnes they lay down Reggae beats with skilful Hip Hop sections.
I had heard from a few different people that Sonic Boom Six where a band you have to see live to truly appreciate – and they where correct. Laila dominated the stage, bouncing between the monitors and skanking mid stage. They seemed to have abandoned the horn section which is so predominant on their records but that in itself isn’t a completely negative point – it just makes them sound rawer, punkier. Later on they where joined by New York Local/Pilfer front man Coolie Ranx which spiced the occasion up just a little bit more.
Of course you rarely go to a gig for the supports, and tonight is no exception – the crowd know who they want. Taking to the stage to the opening strains of ‘Life Less Ordinary’ and continuing to blast through a set taken heavily from ‘Weapon Called The Word’ and ‘Levelling The Land’ it is clear that the Levellers recipe hasn’t changed much over the year. This is not a criticism – not by any stretch of the imagination.
Tracks such as ‘Battle of the Beanfield’ and ‘One Way’ still sound as fresh and relevant as they did when our father’s where in college while newer offerings such as ‘The Cholera Well’ and ‘Burn America, Burn’ prove there is still life in the old punks yet and turn the venue into a sea of pogoing.
By the end of the night the floor is drenched in sweat and the bar’s stock have been considerably lightened by the folk-punk revellers but I can’t see anyone moaning.
Words and Photos: Richard Heaven
