It has been many a year since I first showcased the joyous controversial cacophonies of Hung Like Hanratty, it was a gig that was split between two gaffs with Al Sation and the boys headlining one place and then The Kingcrows headlining the other.  One band went onto garner a fair degree of success at this DIY level whilst Hung Like Hanratty have excelled and are continuing to headline shows and keep many a discerning and fuck-free punter entertained.  Today the lads were back at The Star and Garter, headlining a 3 band sonic snippet whilst up against some serious gig clashes that were of interest to many but not to me.  The other gigs had named bands that were soaked in nostalgia, I was in the right place looking forward to a decent night of noise - each to their own and all that but hey, I ain't no fool.

Prior to kick off I had a catch up with Al and was introduced to his new players.  The first two bands came and did their bit, both putting in rewarding stints of varying tonal tints.  I was as enthused as ever, it is par for the idiot course. And then, it was the turn of the headliners, a band that many find fault with due to the toe-treading content of the songs and the forthright approach of the unit - if only folk would chat and understand.  It seems it is far better to throw bricks and slander rather than find out the crux of many matters.  One thing I will say - this is fun and fun done with the ambiguous punk spirit and the tongue in the cheek – I have no gripes with that and it all makes for a more relaxed end result.

The band took to the stage, the crowd was healthy enough and all looked keen (and semi-aroused in some instances) to enjoy a beautifully dubious crack.  The first three tracks were superb, and all dealing with the state of the shithole in which we live and issued with angst and a no-nonsense approach.  'Welcome To The Future', 'The Great Divide' and 'I Hate The World' show an insightful side to the crew whilst they still maintain the easily digested discordance and unquestionable sing-a-long slant.  As the set advanced the comic element crept further to the fore with the opening Steptoe throes leading into 'Scrap Metal' being a high and the pot-bellied invasion of the volunteering 'Fat Cunt' being the zenith of throwback comedy whilst 'Human Pig' was dished out and gobbled up by those who love a good tune and like a liaison with the outrageous.  A veritable pinnacle, a finger point at some that are indeed guilty of gluttony methinks, and chased by the always winning 'Clean Up Your Dogshit' - the latter song making a very pertinent point and getting the crowd jigging in jolly unity on floors devoid of canine crap - bonus.

The set advanced, a few blips here and there were overlooked, this isn't professionalism and these things happen when passion is high.  My mate Ed from The Hate (and other bands when he gets chance) made a couple of fine appearances and joined in vocal duties which duly brought extra vitality.  It was wonderful to see another to bloke do what he does with unbridled zeal. The highs of the latter end were the stubborn and forthright 'What You See Is What You Get', 'Cuntstable; and the superb anthem that is 'Danny Is A Tranny' - a song that again upsets many that don't take time to see the underlying impishness and where the band are coming from.  A very quick song full-stopped matters - this, as always had been a smile inducing journey that had entertained every fucker in the gaff and left them with a grin on their face from lug to lug.

Thanks were given, a chat had, as a DIY dirty dog level zero promoter it is heart-warming to see bands that you helped start off now fly high and get due credit for what they do.  I stay in the recesses and do my bit and catch up with old faves when I can, this was a real tonic without shackles and tick-box tossery - music done with punk danger, directness and with a sense of fun.  Have it or ignore, the choice is always yours.  I am happy to smile along with the fine sonica – it make sense tha’ knows.