Live Review: Beach Riot, Dream Nails, Tellison and Frauds | Alcopop-A-Cruiser, 29/10/21
Alcopop Records! bring back the legendary label showcase on a boat - a 4 hour river cruise and a rock show, can post-pandemic Friday nights get more exciting than this?
Frauds
Post punks Frauds are kicking off the show, having a slightly easier job for the time being as the boat is not yet moving. Duo saved the day and filled in the line-up last minute as Billy Lunn (of The Subways) was no longer able to perform. Chris and Mikey played some of the old favourites along with new tracks from their latest album Long Spoons. ‘Putin’s Day Off’ goes down a treat, the audience chuckling and cheering over the sarcastic premise of the track. By the time ‘Copenhagen’ comes the boat is full throttle and Frauds are all in, their energy and deafening drums filling in the space. The duo bring so much pizzazz in their short set that Mikey almost pierces the boat’s ceiling with his guitar. And as if the atmosphere wasn’t bizarre enough, with being on a boat and everything, Mikey unveils a golden cape and goes on to perform a dance to Chris’ drumming backdrop. The moment is priceless and it’s hard to tell whether that was rehearsed or just something that happens when Frauds reach the peak. They don’t take themselves too seriously and produce a joyful and hilarious set, leaving the audience wanting more.
Score: 8/10
Beach Riot
Beach Riot continue the boat fun coming in with their signature fuzzy guitars on their opening song, ‘Medicate for Success’. Presenting themselves as primarily a live band, their hunger and excitement for playing to an audience again is palpable. Starting off a little apprehensively they reach their full potential by ‘Modern Dinosaur’, literally rocking the boat that is now going at what seems like a hundred miles per hour. Rory and Cami are jamming to the max and the modest boat space is the only thing containing them from going ballistic. ‘She’s a Hurricane’ showcases the quartet’s explosive energy and the pure delight of jamming together. One of the latest singles ‘Wraith’ comes in and the audience picks it up enthusiastically.
Beach Riot demonstrate their talent and energy to the max in this set, and although there might have been some technical issues it doesn’t tarnish their efforts. The limited boat space just isn’t enough for this band; they will undoubtedly shine even brighter in a more traditional venue. Rory and Cami’s vocals were often drowning in guitar fuzz and drums, and that’s a real shame as the audience might not have been able to appreciate their full ability. Beach Riot are one of the most exciting new collectives on the scene and this boat gig is just a warm-up before the UK tour in November and December, where they will have the chance to unleash their full potential.
Score: 8/10
Dream Nails
Dream Nails come in like a hurricane, taking over the boat space with the first track ‘This is the Summer’. Right off the bat the energy is through the roof and the audience feels it. Confident and bright, the band comes in all guns blazing, despite some members visibly struggling with seasickness on this severely rocking boat. The “punk witches” playfully work the crowd, involving people in sing-alongs and some occasional squats for one of the hits ‘Jillian’ – a track dedicated to US fitness icon Jillian Michaels. The whole band are actively participating in the set, whether that is sharing worrying facts about abuse of the queer community or calling all women and non-binary people to the front. The quartet blasts through their greatest hits, including ‘Take Up Space’, ‘DIY’, ‘Corporate Realness’ and ‘Kiss My Fist’, adding a surprise cover of t.A.T.u‘s ‘All the Things She Said’.
Dream Nails‘ set is pure entertainment, this DIY punk quartet is at the top of their game! New vocalist Leah is like a fish in water on that stage and it’s refreshing to see every member adding something of their own to the performance. Leah, Anya, Mimi and Lucy are bold and dazzling – they are standing up for what’s important to them in true riot grrrl fashion. Dream Nails are on the road to becoming the icons of the new generation.
Score: 10/10
Tellison
The culmination of the Alcopop! boat party is the final set by indie-rock quartet Tellison. Although the band hasn’t released new music for over 5 years now they’ve clearly retained a large number of loyal followers, who have jam-packed this tiny boat to the max. Starting off with ‘Helix & Ferman’, taken from their latest record Hope Fading Nightly, the quartet draw the crowd in. As the second song kicks off, the audience’s excitement reaches boiling point and one of the most dedicated followers attempts something one would not think possible in this particularly unique venue – crowdsurfing. The poor fellow is dragged across the low boat ceiling, nevertheless having the time of his life, safely arriving at the bar at the back of the room. Tellison in the meantime continue to eagerly play the gems of their catalogue. This is their first live show in almost two years and they’re thoroughly enjoying being back in the saddle. Vocalist Stephen shares the band is working on the record number 4 to much delight, and performs the new track to send them over the edge.
Tellison have been in business for over 15 years now and have released 3 great records to date. It’s great to see them reunited, playing together and working on new material, especially considering the challenges the music industry has faced over the past two years. This mandatory pause didn’t break the band and they look stronger than ever. One thing is certain, Tellison can always rely on their loyal following for support and a pick-me-up, and if that’s enough there are some glucose gels available on the house.
Score: 8/10