So they call this place The Pleasure Unit. Quite what constitutes such a promise in a dismal working men’s club cum pseudo Korova Milk Bar seems something of a mystery, and the desperate hope is it's the live music on offer.
Headlining this 'Don’t Forget Yer Bass Amp' night comes the conflicting images of pasty, weed of a drummer Chris, stylishly-cute bassist Rob and frizzy-haired, eccentric, guitar-wielding frontman Simon, united as the punk-infused riot of Fuzzpilots. Bashing out an array of gutsy, guitar-driven numbers, the unsigned band combine dirty bass and vocal angst for an all together heavy duty experience but tonight’s culled set is not without its hiccups.
Most memorable is the sore point of piercing feedback and, literally casting a shadow over the night, the lack of stage lights for which Simon makes open but futile complaints about. And interrupting halfway in, a prolonged break to summon a replacement guitar prompts audible crowd chitchat only serving as a reminder there’s not many out tonight. Pity really as - albeit not their shining moment - Fuzzpilots proved that sometimes shambolic is engaging and definitely the only pleasure about this hovel.
Throwing in a wickedly acute cover of The Stooges' 'I Wanna Be Your Dog' at the end permitted a respectable departure from the stage after such a shaky set though it’s clearly a long and rocky road to professional status for this three-piece. Crafting good songs is one half of the bargain - new track 'Brigade' came off well - selling them live is another.
Notably presiding over tonight's proceedings was constant audience appreciation for drummer Chris, ironically the guy obviously picked last in gym but handling his sticks and skins admirably. So seemingly - and luckily for the band - it was a 'friendly', select gathering handling the mishaps and enjoying the chaos. All is not lost then, just mislaid for now.
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