With a dubious background main support Last Resort have some good riffs in their anti-establishment 80’s punk, although whilst song titles such as “Rose of England” and “Red White and Blue” could be perceived as an indication of just being proud to be British, delve into others on early album “A Way of Life – Skinhead Anthems” and you can make up your own mind of the mentality behind the music…
In contrast Rancid take to the stage and provide us with the party we’re after, hailing from California and bringing the sunshine with them, Rancid hardly stop for breath in a set crammed with quality ska-punk anthems.
Although having paved the way for the likes of Green Day and the Offspring to gain more airtime, Rancid have stayed true to their own influences of original punks the Clash in the classic skanking track “Time Bomb” right through to some of the newer tracks aired tonight.
Tim Armstrong and Lars Frederikson share centre stage and the majority of vocal duties, whilst anyone who think there aren’t any punk rockers that can play their instruments, should try following Matt Freemans’ bass lines with Freeman frantically playing along to every tune.
Having had a circle pit mid set, “Fall Back Down” providing a crowd sing along, and the obligatory encore having the crowd dancing during another ska-punk classic “Ruby Soho”, Rancid cover all basis in an evening filled with great tunes and spent with great people.
Mr Teeth
