BSP are taking a break from their usual incessant touring schedule for the first half of 2012 but are hosting a monthly club night in Brighton under the title 'Krankenhaus', billed as 'Nocturnal music and arts for all sexes and ethnic profiles'.
A prompt 8.20 start saw BSP perform one of their increasingly renowned acoustic sets. In truth 'acoustic' isn't quite the correct description as the band were fully 'plugged in' but the six song set comprised a selection of laid back numbers. Delivering their songs in this style showcases this band in a different way and emphasises the craft in their song writing and musicianship, an aspect that is easily and frequently overlooked as commentary so often focuses on the anarchic nature of their live performances.
Y Niwi sadly had to cancel so local band Savages played a support set. This was their first ever gig as a band though it was clear these four girls were no newcomers to the stage. With classic guitar, bass, drums and vocal line-up the band played some rockin tunes and the fronting lady certainly could sing.
Next up was Jock Scott, rapidly becoming a fixture at BSP events. Jock's lyrical and 'tongue-in-cheek angst' poetry was tonight accompanied by three of the band on drum, guitar and keys providing an entertaining additional dimension for this humorous interlude.
The Haunt is not a big venue, so with little option than to wander to the well-stocked merch table, the crowd remained largely packed into the main auditorium so there was a real feeling of camaraderie and we certainly renewed acquaintance with a number of people we'd only hitherto met at BSP events. Everyone was certainly up for it.
Consequently the main BSP set was a thoroughly enjoyable canter through the Kranknhaus EP and the Do You Like Rock Music album, albeit not played in order. With the band reverting to their traditional full-on style any newcomers that happened to be there (not sure there were many) were witnessing the band in their pomp.
A note on the bar arrangements - Having supped tins of Stella on the way to the gig a tin of Orangeboom was not a great initial choice so we were forced to move on to highly- priced bottles of Calsberg Export. On the plus side the hour immediately after the band left the stage was Happy Hour so the vodka flowed, easing us into the club night phase that saw BSP guitarist Noble attempting manfully to organise a drunken crowd in a mass ping-pong game. Completed Rallys: 1/10, Noble's efforts: 10/10, Bizarre Fun: 10/10.
Each of the ensuing five nights (Feb to June) promise to comprise different sets. Having today just realised I have 94 BSP songs on my i-pod my mouth is watering already!
Si
Future dates and tickets here
