Harp Hotel - 8th February 2002

click here to see the pics of the gig

Was quite looking forward to this show, as it was the first time I'd been to the Harp in Tempe and by all reports it was meant to be a decent venue. With Kate and Ned coming too, it had great night written all over it. On the train in Wollongong and Kate opens her bottle of passion pop (surprise surprise). We get to Tempe about an hour and a half later (7:30) and Kate is well on her way to being pissed. Get to the pub and it seems to be a nice place. Only problem is they pack the pool table away when bands play. Ned and I start on the beers and Kate with the Vodka and Rasberry which at 5 bucks she found a bit steep. Our many attempts to get her to drink beer have failed every time. Sitting in the beer garden and who is to show up but Paulie of Thought Crime fame with the Run For Cover boys who come from down our way. Paulie had goon, which made Kate happy and she was into it again.

The Shambles opened and they played a well received set of old school punk style tunes. They are a young three-piece band that show potential. Next up were Wollongong boys Run For Cover playing straight out drunken punk rock. I've seen this band so many times now and at times I'm in the mood for them, but this time I wasn't. You really need to have had a good amount of beer and for a change I wasn't drunk yet. More drinks were bought and we went outside where Kate was getting into the goon, as were others. AVO seemed to take a long time to set up, but after 2 years without playing 10 more minutes waiting didn't hurt anyone. When they did play, it was a short 15 minute set of nine intense hardcore songs. Had the singer not been wearing a scally cap, there's no doubt we would have seen the veins popping out of his head.

Riot City did a one song sound check, before Army of Clowns took to the stage for a few songs, before some members of S*K*A*M were joined by Riot City's horns and keys to do perhaps the last ever performance of "Rudeboy". Riot City then returned to treat the crowd to a set of old school covers, including the new addition of "Train to Skaville", but also an original in "Come On" that sees Ruffy take the mic. They now have two originals, and with plans for more it's pleasing to see. As usual, they had no trouble getting the crowd dancing and for me, along with S*K*A*M's performance of "Rudeboy", they were the highlights of the night. There set also marked the return of Tom from overseas, who half way through the set took over from Emily on trumpet. It's been said the horn section will now number four, which is a good thing as Riot City wouldn't be the same without Emily. Ned, Kate and I unfortunately had to leave early to get back to the gong, but we'd had a great night at a great venue, with some decent music to accompany it. The turnout was also encouraging, but as it was only two bucks do get in, there was no excuse not to attend.

Glen Smyth