STREET DOGS

CIVET

STRAWBERRY BLONDES

Thursday night at the Academy was one of good ‘ole fashion American punk rock as Street Dogs, Civet and Strawberry Blondes hit town….

I’ve never actually heard of any of the bands on tonight’s bill much to the disbelief of some randomers I spoke too. My hopes weren’t exactly high when I found out that only about 150 tickets from 800 had been sold. The place was practically empty when the Strawberry Blondes hit the stage. I felt quite sorry for them as their blend of Clash fuel punk and ska was pretty damn good!

Civet were up next… four femme fatale punk rock with great stage presence, tunes and the attitude you need to make it in punk rock. When a band is signed to Tim Armstrong’s (Rancid) record label, Hellcat Records, you know you are gonna get quality. Being the only photographer there I was gutted to have been thrown out of the pit after 3 very quickly played songs. Lighting as always improved immensely the moment I couldn’t take any more pictures. Definitely a missed opportunity as far as the photos are concerned. But it did also mean I could sit back and enjoy the set. Definitely the best female fronted punk band I have seen since Distillers kicked ours access at the start of the decade.

Street Dogs were formed by Mike McColgan, the former singer of Dropkick Murpheys, after he left the band to follow a lifelong dream of being a Firefighter in his beloved Boston. He couldn’t stay away from music and Street Dogs are the result.

After a long long intro the band hit the stage, and launch straight into the opening track causing a riot in the audience. People were moving and dancing so much that the small audience were filling the venue and creating the kind of atmosphere you only get at a punk gig. All the best gigs this year are ones I would have not of gone to if I wasn’t photoing and this one joins that list.

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