By Dylan McNally, Co-Deputy Music Editor
“You could be interviewing Jesus returned from heaven but you should still come to Fat Dog” was the textual content I acquired from a good friend earlier than Fat Dog performed their first-ever headline present at Corsica Studios in London final 12 months.
As it occurs, I wasn’t interviewing Jesus. But I didn’t go. Instead I obtained my probability to see them a couple of months later, at a very raucous New Years Eve gig at The Shacklewell Arms, by which level it was very obvious that one thing was taking place. Having constructed up a repute for immense dwell performances, Fat Dog had in a short time turn into the discuss of the underground scene in London. It was early days however by that time, both you had seen Fat Dog, otherwise you have been going to.
Since then, their repute has solely grown, and with assist slots for the likes of Sports Team and Yard Act already below their belt, they have been prepared for a headline tour of their very own. Strange Brew was the venue that may kick all of it off; certainly one of Bristol’s most interesting venues internet hosting one of many nation’s greatest new bands. Support got here from the ever-excellent New Eves, who’re building up a little bit of buzz themselves. It would possibly’ve been a wierd conflict, musically, given The New Eves’ sound is extra Avant-folk than techno-punk however I’ve by no means left a New Eves gig upset. This was no totally different and the remainder of the gang clearly agreed. There could haven’t been too many similarities music-wise however the New Eves, very similar to Fat Dog, have their very own sure mastery of their sound and stage which anybody, and definitely a Fat Dog crowd, could be arduous pressed to not admire. In reality, if something we have been in all probability fortunate we have been barely eased into the night given the depth and chaos to observe – Fat Dog got here on, the mosh pit began instantly and didn’t let up throughout the gig, and that was that. The evening had actually begun.
From that time on it was a barrage. Of sound and of individuals. And it was sensible.
In actuality, there have been two crowds at Strange Brew on the evening. Those within the mosh pit and people watching it. And these within the pit have been simply as a lot a part of the efficiency because the band themselves. But it isn’t simply the gang that’s intense with Fat Dog, the music is simply too. They have a sound that, like so a lot of their friends, could be very arduous to explain. Loosely it is a combination of techno and punk however there’s influences from throughout, and every thing from canine masks to saxophones on stage. And you actually really feel all of it. Most of the time, actually. It’s definitely daring however driving beats, heavy bass and an intense vocal efficiency makes for a fairly good combination on this case. And for all this to be taking place so early on in a band’s profession is extremely thrilling; this can be a band doing one thing genuinely new, and in doing so discovering an viewers that’s greater than receptive to it. That’s one hell of a mixture and the potential prospects are untold.
The entire evening was a blurring of the strains between viewers and performer in contrast to the rest. Band members have been leaving their devices mid-song to affix in with the moshing in entrance of them and lead singer Joe Love spent many of the gig prowling round in full management, directing and egging on the gang earlier than him like some kind of punk cult chief. Multiple instances he instructed us to get on the bottom as he waded by way of, reaching out and touching these fortunate few like a preacher at a sermon. We have been all desperate to pay attention. And utterly below his management. At numerous different factors there have been canine masks and hooded cloaks – it was a whirlwind of theatrics and a masterclass in stage presence, however not as soon as did it detract from the music. It solely ever enhanced it. And then, without delay, it was over. The spell was lifted, the gang slowly dispersed, and we may all breathe once more. An opportunity for slightly little bit of reflection after such a frenzied night. It would possibly’ve felt quasi-religious at instances, however actually, as a good friend mentioned to me on the best way out, this was higher than mass.
Featured pictures: Dylan McNally
