The Barracudas – The Troubadour, London, 19 November

True to form for the ‘Cudas, the PA broke down during the sound check and a replacement one was urgently needed a mere hour before show time. As if that was not enough, once underway the quick-fix PA began to throw out ear-splitting vocals from Mr Gluck (sans guitar, bass and drums) and which added a rather bizarre element to the evening. “Hey, it's just like the 'Cudas at the Hope 'n' Anchor all over again,” one wit was heard to say. What the hell, Robin Wills and Jeremy Gluck were in a buoyant mood and nothing was gonna stop their train, not even a dodgy sound system. Such exuberance was contagious and made for one of the most enjoyable 'Cudas gigs I have ever seen. Add to the mix a young rhythm section that had a natural flair for the 'Cudas songbook and who offered a solid platform for Robin and Jeremy to deliver their unique brand of trash. As per usual the band opened with "Grammar of Misery" but then performed an about turn and concentrated on tracks from their formative years. A state of affairs that was fine with everyone present. In other words, lots of surf and garage tunes with hardly hint of the Chris Wilson era songbook. It must be well over twenty years since “Summer Fun” and “Rendez-Vous” were last played! Heck, at the end of the set they even threw in a manic "Surfer Joe" and which Jeremy introduced as the greatest song of all time. Possibly true. With the crowd demanding more, the boys encored with "Slow Death" and then disappeared into the West London night and onto Spain for their long awaited tag-team showdown the Dictators. This was a terrific gig and one that reminded this particular punter that songs such as "Violent Times," "Somebody," and "I Can't Pretend" are musical diamonds that invite the listener to discover some damn memorable hooks even if they are hidden beneath the grime of a shagged out PA. One suspect’s that Handsome Dick Manitoba may not be the only man “with the power of the hour”.

And now, why not read Robin's comments on the show?

Got a bit sidetracked recently with one thing and another. Mostly day to day bollocks, same as everybody else but I’ve a wrong to right here. Got a package from Ms Palmyra Delran of NYC consisting of The Friggs and Booty Olympics albums and her latest six song demo. Long time NBTsters will be familiar with her work in Pink Slip Daddy alongside Ben Vaughn and some may even be hep to this stuff but just incase… All of it is top notch snotty girls in the garage rock with plenty of pure pop thrills. It doesn’t sound all “authentic” in that no-fi fashion that’s become popular. This stuff breathes real fire and recalls faves like The Fastbacks and how bad a thing can that be. The Friggs Rock Candy alb on E-vil records says it came out in 1997 anf this is the first I’ve seen it. I oughtta get a good hard kick up the arse. The Booty Olympics are of more recent vintage, "Everybody loves a sad song. Everybody's felt disappointment, heartbreak, and unrequited love. Everybody holds secret and irrational grudges, and we all need a soundtrack that's just right". Boystyle is that s/t and it came out in 2002, a little edgier than The Friggs but possessed of that similar poptastic bloodline. PD’s demo boasts 6 contagious sides and if I had a label still I’d bite her bloody hand off. Wall to wall, classic timeless gal-rock. Love Has Gone Away and Baby Should Have Known Better in particular belong on rock’n’roll radio the planet o’er. Chase this gear via Go!

More exotic Dutch "art"; Claudia Hek paints on toilet seats, record players, lamps, toasters, t-shirts and more. GO!. (Link c/o of Alexander Polaroid)