Another punk gig at Jackson’s Pit in Oldham. This time I got an impression that there were more people at the place, which was good. There are conversations going on about Jackson’s Pit and some people complain about the prices in there and the sound as well. Due to the first reason, I found major part of the audience in The Whittles, a pub next door. They all were having a few pints before coming to see the gig so I joined them. I spoke to Tim Punk4life Davies who said that he would rather see a gig in The Whittles than Jackson’s Pit. And he is not the only one who thinks so. Well, I agree the sound might not be the best I’ve ever heard but the place itself is more intimate than The Whittles because it’s smaller so the atmosphere is better I suppose. On the other hand if had a choice between buying a pint in Jackson’s Pit or The whittles I would choose The Whittles because it’s a lot cheaper pub. So if we move the gigs there, we will get better sound and cheaper beer but probably loose a bit on an atmosphere.
Anyway, the first one to perform was Jonny Turpentine. He presented an acoustic punk (well, he usually plays an acoustic guitar but tonight he played an electric one instead) with something that sounded to me like sort of country western music from time to time. He even played a cover of “House of the rising sun" by The Animals. I enjoyed his set and this guy’s a got a good voice and ideas for the songs. The last song played by him was another cover – “Alternatives” by The Exploited, which he performed together with a drummer of Stuntface and another fellow on bass. I enjoyed that one, especially that I’ve got a big sentiment for this song.
The next on stage appeared G.F.A. (God Forsaken Amateurs). They started playing and I was positively surprised. The guys presented well played hardcore punk with two vocals. I really enjoyed their set. They were tight and I like the type of music they play. Fast, aggressive, heavy, loud and shouty music. Good songs, good musicians, good vocals. Well done lads!

Jonny Turpentine	G.F.A.

After G.F.A, a Welsh band called Stuntface stood on stage. I hadn’t seen them before but supposedly they are known on the scene because it looked like people knew their songs. What I can say about these guys is that they were just great! I stood there all their set moving to the music. Again, hardcore punk but probably a little bit more melodic than G.F.A. Three piece band but the sound was smashing. I was very impressed by their set. They have good songs and they were tight as well with proper, shouty vocals. Their guitarist is very good and he demonstrated it while playing a few impressive, fast solos. They have a sense of humour as well and the singer told a few funny jokes between the songs and people enjoyed that too.
The last band to see tonight was Instant Agony and I think that was what everybody was waiting for. I had seen them before and they were brilliant and this time they didn’t disappoint me either. I like their music and they play fast and raw punk. From the first few notes they played, people started pogoing and it was a great set. They have a very good singer who is also a showman. No doubt about it. He was jumping in the crowd, giving people the mic to sing the choruses and it was good fun. People were singing along. They played my two favourites – “One man army” and “Not my religion”. After they had finished people demanded more songs and they played two more and this was appreciated.

Stuntface	Instant Agony

It was another good gig and a great night out. All the bands were quality and I am looking forward to another one in Oldham soon. See you there!

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