Shock and Awe, Korsakoff, Facehandle, Murderburgers – Henry’s Cellar Bar, Edinburgh

February 24, 2011

Proving once again, in a set that lasted only a bit longer than it takes them to assemble their left-handed drumkit, that old school punk is alive and kicking Shock And Awe tonight graced one of Edinburgh’s smaller stages in front of an unfortunately proportionately small crowd. Unfazed (they have after all seen it all before and played in worse situations) and unbowed, it was straight to business doing what they do best and in turn providing those lucky enough to witness the event with a vintage performance. From ‘I Hope The Lights Don’t Change On You’ through to closer ‘Buzz’ Tommy, Bobby & Johnny kept the joint jumpin’. At least until that
unfortunate amp death …

Shock and Awe (photo by Kenny McMurtrie)

Support tonight was a three-fold affair of both obvious and promising quality. First on-stage, for apparently their first time, were Falkirk’s Korsakoff. Initially coming across like a less well defined Pink Grease they gave it their all and set the tone for the night well. A few less instrumentals in the set and they could be on to a winner.

Looking and sounding like ideal candidates for the next Gearhead compilation tonight’s second act were Facehandle. I had one of those tip-of the-tongue moments when part-way through the set they came out with a song that sounded like something from the first Iron Maiden album (and I say that as praise) & their revved-up licks and scatological humour, particularly on ‘Crank Ma Handle’, were a real tonic. Hellacopters fans should take note.

Last seen (by me anyway) supporting The Dwarves at the end of 2010 the third band tonight were the excellent Murderburgers, the closest you’ll get to Screeching Weasel this side of the Atlantic (or at least north of the border). For whatever reason they seemed less confident this time round and as such the set’s flow was rather misshapen but on the whole they did themselves justice. Having picked up a copy of their album (out on Monster Zero records) after the show watch this space to see if they make the grade in the studio as well as in your face. That free t-shirt will in no way influence my findings.