Apocalypse Wow

THE World was due to end last Saturday - at least according to some miscalculating religious mystic in America. You may have noticed that it didn't. But to be honest if the world was going to end you'd want it serenaded out with the likes of The Men They Couldn't Hang. This punk, rock, folk and many other genre band were at Cockermouth's Kirkgate for the potentially apocalyptic gig and I for one would have died happy at 6pm on Saturday, May 23rd. The arts centre was full to bursting  - with record online sales bringing in TMTCH fans from around the country. This was an end-of-the-world party to which everyone was invited and to which everyone was determined to have a good time.


From the moment they arrived on stage it was foot to the pedal, and high-energy punching music which was delivered with technical finesse and plenty of passion. The four guitars and one banjo providing the wall of sound to a driving drum beat. Most of the audience were happy to join in the singing and dancing. This is one band that knows how to entertain and although their lyrics can have a dark, political edge to them, it was a sense of humour that pervaded during the Kirkgate gig.


The audience would no doubt have been happy for the pace to be kept at full whack for the whole 90-minute seession but there was a chance for a breather and to hear solo works from TMTCH stalwarts Stefan Cush and Phil "Swill" Odgers. Phil Odgers in particular wowed everyone with a folk ballad from his forthcoming EP.


It's almost a pity the world didn't end the following day - this would have been one perfect way to see the end of the world. 


* Things calm down at Kirkgate next Saturday (June 4) when singer/songwriter Roddy Woomble will be performing. But watch out for Dead Cat Bounce on Saturday, June 18 - they're described as a "rock and roll comedy supergroup". I'm not sure what that means but it sounds fun!