01 March 2011 (gig)
03 March 2011
“It’s going to be ok, boys and girls, trust me,” assures The Computers frontman Alex Kershaw. And it is ok, Computers, that’s all. Kershaw yelps his way through a few songs, including recent single Group Identity, wittering on about dirty laundry and touring stories in between, but it’s nothing special. Maybe the Devonian, Rocket from the Crypt-loving four-piece do care more about their hair (as is jokingly suggested during the main set). The Computers are suitable fluffers for tonight’s star turn, Brooklyn’s Gay For Johnny Depp (GFJD), but they leave the razzle-dazzle to their American cousins.
And the hardcore headliners bring in ‘da noise and bring in ‘da ‘f*ck’ from the outset – not as intimidating as anticipated but poised to be as exciting. Long-haired vocalist Marty Leopard appears clutching a mic strapped to an inverted cross and eyes up his small, ‘Gay‘ following. He doesn't say a word before assaulting his vocal cords and tearing up the stage. Guitarist Sid Jagger leads the banter almost like a rational, if a little mocking, voice for Leopard’s overt frenzy. “I like f*cking mental so f*ck this guy,” Leopard retaliates.
The band storm through prime cuts from new album What Doesn’t Kill You, Eventually Kills You and some oldies – each of them laced with homoerotic tendencies and perverse wordplay. With songs like Nine Inch Males, Suckcess and Cumpassion on the list, it’s mildly amusing to hear a version of funeral-bothering classic Angels mid-set. While prowling through the crowd, Leopard neatly inserts the Robbie Williams hit into GFJD’s Lights Out – changing the lyrics to ‘I’m loving anal instead’, of course – and ignites an unlikely pop singalong.
The clump of diehards, who have been baying at Leopard’s crotch from the off, relish their part in this inclusive performance; one even loses a shoe to the singer’s thieving grasp while another ends up on stage with him, legs aloft. They've all had his sweat in their faces tonight and celebrate by literally elevating him round the venue for finale Cum on Feel the Boize.
The customised Slade cover, which seriously comes alive off record, brings the party-hard set to a mighty climax. Gay For Johnny Depp may not be a band to fall in love with but they’re great for a one-night stand… or two.
