LIVE REVIEW: SCREECH BATS @ THE MONARCH 4TH APRIL 2018
Background:
London based punk group ‘Screech Bats’ formed in 2016 and swiftly released the debut self-titled EP. Since then they have been playing regularly and working on new material which has culminated in their second EP ‘Wish You Were Her’ which was reviewed by Spirit level earlier this week
The Monarch - 4th April 2018
Unfortunately due to a clash with an earlier gig we were not able to see opening bands ‘The Menstrual Cramps’ and ‘Bloodlines’ but we will endeavour to review their music as soon as possible.
Fortunately, we were able to make it just in time for ‘Kid Kapichi’ to take the stage of an already packed venue. Fresh off the back of releasing their outstanding new EP ‘Lucozade Dreams’ which will be reviewed shortly, ‘Kid Kapichi’ play a rollicking set of high quality alternative rock. Sounding like an energetic mashup of early ‘Queens Of The Stone Age’, ‘Arctic Monkeys’ and ‘Death From Above 1979’; ‘Kid Kapichi’ could easily be playing the headline slot as they storm through a killer set of heavy riffs and phenomenal drum licks. The distorted effects added onto the dual vocals is a nice touch which helps the band to stand out even more and new song ‘Revolver’ has such a great groove that the whole room can’t help but dance along.
Next up are energetic London duo ‘Survival Code’, who start off sounding like ‘Placebo’ on steroids before progressing to heavier and more punk terrain as the set continues. Despite performing without a bassist, lead vocalist/guitarist Gary plays spectacular riffs that sound not unlike ‘Misfits’. New song ‘Along The Way’ is an upbeat punk song with a heavy as balls opening riff and a James Hettfield style chug. Any fans of three-piece band ‘Puppy’ should definitely check these guys out. Their new album is scheduled for an August release.
Last but by no means least, it is time for ‘Screech Bats’ to take the stage. Spirit Level take pride in the knowledge that we have been to a lot of shows over the past few years and we have seen some pretty crazy shit. However nothing compares to the sight of an audience being so pumped that someone genuinely tried to leap out of his wheelchair to join the throng of rabid supporters at the front of the stage. ‘Screech Bats’ more than live up to expectation as they tear their way through their entire back catalogue. The new songs sound fantastic live, especially the phenomenal ‘That Valentine Song’ as does ‘ET’ from their debut. Esme Baker has fantastic charisma on stage and her voice sounds even better live as does Lexi Clark’s relentless drumming. Guitarist Kit Reeves and bassist Rio Hellyer stomp around on either side of the stage, never taking a moment to stand still. Reeves has her guitar swung so low to the level of Kris Novaselic and in the sparing moments where she plays a solo she absolutely lets it rip. ‘Screech Bats’ are one of the most exciting new punk bands to emerge in London in the last few years and we look forward to seeing them progress.