Truthpaste open procedings in a venue that, even just after doors opening, is literally buzzing with excitement about tonight’s headliners. Truthpaste bring an eclectic mix of guitar, saxophone, violin, computer generated drum beats and vocals. They’re folky, poppy, jazzy, arty and completely unique. It’s doubtful you’ll hear/see/experience another live act that sound even remotely like them. But they need quiet. And concentration. Then, I suspect a lot more people present tonight would appreciate what they do. Or maybe they just need a more discerning ear than that given them tonight. Truthpaste are, quite simply, just a bit too ‘way out there’ / niche for this crowd and with the exception of a few loud cheers it’s quickly obvious that those here tonight only care about one thing and quite happily stand around talking, drinking, securing their floor spot whilst Truthpaste play through their 30 minutes. Personally I’d like to see them in a tiny venue where people have paid to see just them.
Fat Dog’s rise, whilst not quite stratospheric, has certainly been rapid. Just 6 months ago I was watching them in the upstairs room of a pub in Wrexham. But those who know have been spreading the word, not just about the music but about the whole experience of seeing this band live. Festival appearances, the release of debut album ‘Woof’, radio play and the continuing discussions amongst music fans of what a Fat Dog gig is actually like mean that every one of their November dates, in bigger venues, has sold out, including the 1000 capacity Project House in Leeds.
Most here know exactly what to expect. Some will have only heard. Both of these facts go a long way towards helping people make decisions about where to stand. Right in the thick of it, on the fringes with the option of joining in, or at the sides well out of the way.
Fat Dog walk on stage and as ‘Vigilante’ builds and builds from it’s sinister, oppressive opening sounds to it’s explosion of pounding, electronic dance beats Project House erupts. Arms in the air, leaping about. There’s an invisible chemistry that bonds Fat Dog to their fans. Fans that know how to have a good time and they don’t stop until the band stops. Keyboardist Chris Hughes is in the crowd by song two – ‘Boomtown’ – encouraging the mayhem, getting those around him to crouch then leap, joining in as enthusiastically as any fan.
The intense, disco-punk throb of ‘All The Same’ follows and soon Joe Love, resplendent in white stetson, is on the barrier directing his vocals to those hanging on his every word.
A Fat Dog mosh pit brings descriptions such as carnage, mayhem, out of control, pandemonium and complete bedlam. And every one is true. But one word can sum all the chaos up – joyful. Look at the seething mass of bodies leaping around, punching the air and what you’ll see is huge grins spread across every face. Not a hint of aggression, no shoving, no anger. Just fun.
‘King OfThe Slugs’ is huge, a massive droning, infectious background beat that has the whole place swaying before the frenzied yell of “I’m the King of the Slugs bitch” brings on a massive techno thrash and corresponding uncontrollable madness in the pit.
And so it continues through the foot stomping ‘Wither’, the emotional tug of ‘I Am The King’ and the incendiary ‘Running’. There’s absolutely no let up from band or crowd.
The whole experience lasts for just fifty minutes. Fifty minutes of brilliant, crazy, brooding, feverish debauchery. Fifty minutes where Fat Dog, and in particular Joe Love, hold the crowd in the palm of their hands. Love is like a maniacal preacher. Hypnotic, commanding the feverish devotion of those worshipping this punk/techno/dance/trancey noise and alternative take on social commentary.
No-one else comes close to what Fat Dog do which perhaps explains their appeal. It’s loud, exciting, danceable, infectious, intense, eccentric, cathartic and joyful. And it hooks in anyone who gives them a chance. Fat Dog know what their fans want and those fans know Fat Dog will deliver it. Go see them, go with an open mind if you’re a newbie and you’ll leave blown away by what is likely to be the best gig you’ll see this year.
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