After the gig void that is the start of the year, it’s with optimism that I approach the Brudenell Social club on a school night in February. Even for a sold-out main room gig at the Brudenell, it’s unusual to find a snaking queue outside the venue making its way towards the takeaways and housing estates of Hyde Park. It’s quite the norm for the rousing rabble to make full use of the Brudenell’s very cheap hospitality, before simply shuffling inside when the first support bands bass amp leaks through to the tap room.
Once inside its quite apparent for the rush to get inside, Kid Kapichi devotees have stapled themselves to the front of the stage where they plan to reside for the rest of the evening. The Brude doesn’t have a photo pit, this is going to make quite an interesting evening for the circling photographers who are trying their best to find an entry point to the stage which is increasingly growing by the minute.
It’s a three-band show tonight, so things kick off with Monakis swiftly. A three piece which fit the bill nicely. Quite an animated bunch with definite undertones of early Vines and bleach era Nirvana.
I don’t think anyone is ready for what’s about to unfold as Snayx (pronounced Snakes) take stage. I’d heard a few rumblings around Snayx before tonight, few people had mentioned them on social media as their new favourite band, but I hadn’t taken much notice. This was all about to change.
Snayx, quite simply, cannot wait to get on stage. It’s almost with an olympic effort that each band member sprints to their allotted space on the Brudenell’s sparse stage space. Within seconds of their set the assembled crowd are already knocking the proverbial ten shades out of each other and the contents of the Brudenell’s cheaply priced alcohol have given the walls of the venue a new coating. The band are constantly goading the crowd, not in an aggressive way, it seems quite joyful. Each member wears an ear-to-ear grin, frontman Charlie is constantly on the edge of the stage, leaning ever closer to the carnage that is unfolding in front of him. The set ends with Charlie mid circle pit (not for the first time this evening). I can comfortably predict Snayx will be back to headline this room before the year ends.
It’s quite a tough act to follow. The last time Kid Kapichi were in Leeds was at the festival, which I’m reliably informed was quite a riotous occasion. Tonight, will be no different.
The focus of tonight’s set is the bands debut album “Here’s what you could have won”. “Round and Round and it Never Stops” sets the tone for the evening, a well warmed up crowd take this as a signal to continue with the evening’s shenanigans. The current economic and political climate that surrounds the country at this time has obviously shaped the narrative of the band and this is never so more apparent than in “Party at Number 10” which includes a rally from front man Jack Wilson.
Mid set there seems to be some sort of tombola/raffle with the band distributing various items of their rider to the crowd. Someone receives a rather nice pack of Japanese noodles, someone else gets some comfortable socks and inevitably someone walks away with a can of Guinness. Everyone is a winner.
“Glitterati” continues the set. Eddie on bass seems to have upped his assault on the crowd and is more aggressive and menacing with each number, this in turn moves the band and the crowd into an ever-increasing hot mess. “Smash The Gaff” couldn’t be a more fitting set closer.
Everyone is invited to Oporto in Leeds for Buckfast. I make my excuses and head home. It’s a school night after all.
