Live: Airfix Kits and Young Offenders at Union Pool 11.4.11

I liked me some Airfix Kits, or perhaps more specifically their predecessors Giant Haystacks. Seeing them with Young Offenders was the frosting on the beater, especially when Erika and Oliver were friends with that lot and word was that most of the Bay Area short-haired set was coming out for the shows. They weren't lying. This show was another one of the pantheon of great Hardcore Gig Volume shows and had moved to Union Pool after Bruar Falls closed down and the vibe was definitely one spaghetti plate away from being a  show at the Bottom Of The Hill.

I rolled in just as Young Offenders were setting up. Word was that the team had lost a bass on the way in, an eventuality that didn't seem to make the short-haired gents any sunnier of disposition. Good set though. The new record Leader Of The Followers is pretty aces in a Jam meets Wire at the Cock Sparrer show sort of way. Tim is a hell of a frontman (and a drinker, it would appear) and the rest of YO are pretty damn tight. These shows were rare East Coast shows for the gents and the turn-out was accordingly decent.

Things seemed to fill up more for the Airfix Kits. I'm pretty sure this was their first show out here. It was refreshing to have a band this good fronted by a man with more of a Fred Perry problem than me. Lots of clean downstroking and anglo-oi leaning for the duration, with a decent well-lubricated crowd eating (or rather drinking, really) it up. I'll give Airfix the lean for better of the two, but both parties were pretty damn aces. Kudos to Ian Dickson and Hardcore Gig Volume for bringing the gents our way. Here's hoping we see the boys out East again very, very soon.


R

Drakkar Sauna shows

Like adopting a child or rescuing a pet, owning and maintaining facial hair, while an inherently noble act, is not without great responsibility. A dear friend and beard aficionado currently tenuring in Indiana suggested that JS-NYC check out Drakkar Sauna. They are at Union Pool and Cake Shop in the next couple days and Rut's taste is normally well above par. Watt and The Mekons are in town, so I don't believe I'll be able to make the shows, but you all should. The music sounds decent, but in looking at the picture to the left that I so thoughfully stole from their MySpace, I think I see why Rut feels such a kinship for the gents.

There is no obligation to sport extravagant facial topiary, but I would venture it will not be discouraged. Here's a link to the Drakkar Sauna web presence. They are at Cake Shop tonight and Union Pool on Saturday night. Tell em' JS-NYC sent you.

R