11 April 2011 (gig)
11 April 2011
Featured on Radio 1 unsigned band Will Tun and the Wasters are a furore of fury live. Political Punk-Folk-Ska-Rock may sound like the messy ideal of a few wasted teens, but the unsigned Berkshire band have managed to articulate an energetic and at times innocently pseudo-poetic brand of music which is raw and vivacious live.
Unforgivingly loud and admittedly young WTATW exude excitement and aggression in equal measures on stage behind a mask of conscious music with a real agenda of having a good time.
Opening with "Sink or Swim" the band of five scream to a stirred and raucous crowd with the melodious and unlikely assistance of a tin whistle and shouty passion from Declan McMysteroy. Highlight track "Skank for Me" had more than an elbow thrown around the tiny room as crazed sweaty bodies threw themselves to the funky ska beat brought together by impressive bass from 17 year old Harley Cox-Hynd.
Whilst the smells and swarms of try hard teens mixed with middle aged punks in the box room venue in the town center were potent (although, I don't know what else could have been expected), all focus was on the band as they relayed their very own version of 90s kids cartoon classic intro "Hey!" from Arthur. Delivered with humour and in their own unique style by lead singer and guitarist Will Tun, the song that was indexical of the energy.
At times a little unlearned, the act can be forgiven with good intentions for their socialist ideals and translation into live music. Prevailing an innocence with all the charm and whimsy of an abstract Irish folk band with raw fury that is contagious and youthful, WTATW showcase a grass roots form of music that cannot be tamed but is certainly infectious and best served live.
