Last Updated on March 5, 2023
Originally published in Beat Motel issue 8
The Spread Eagle was always well known as one of Ipswich’s alternative pubs until it changed hands around 2001, but much to the joy of many Ipswich gig goers, The Spread is back how it should be and putting on gigs from a variety of alternative genres every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
One such gig was tonight’s punk/rockabilly shindig featuring the triumphant return of local lads THE STINKBOMBS, who finally have a new double bass player and seem all set to get back into the swing of things. Opening with live favourite NATION OF THE UNDEAD, a slightly dark and discordant take on the established punkabilly sound it, was clear that new boy Rich has been settling in very well, despite not having played double bass before joining the band! The whole set was short and sweet, only lasting for about 6 songs, but was very enjoyable and full of promise for the future. The zombie costumes were a really nice touch too!
Straight from their support slot with OFFICER DOWN and THE EXTINGUISHERS a couple of days before, THE DEAD BATTERIES seemed to have rallied and stormed through their set with confidence, merging several songs together and getting the crowd jumping around to great songs like PIRATE RADIO. Overall the lads created a really nice atmosphere and set the night up perfectly.
Out of towners KILLING SEYMOUR closed the night with their horror themed psychobilly which sadly came across as rather bland and uninspired. While they are by no means a bad band, it just seemed that after THE STINKBOMBS more varied and abrasive take on the style,
KILLING SEYMOURS generic retro rock n roll riffs were far too obvious to sound anything other than a little hollow. Vocalist Vivian’s guttural snarl did certainly have many redeeming features though and overall the performance was good and contributed greatly to the overall pleasant atmosphere of the night. It just sounded a little overdone to these ears.
- Briggs
