Off to the Brickyard for Stompin' Grounds latest gig and the line up promised a good nights entertainment. I called in the Kings Head on the way and it was fairly full with the usual suspects and a few faces I didn't know so I felt hopeful of a decent turn out. A couple of pints later and it was down to the venue for The Red Eyes unfortunately most people must have stayed in the pub because when the first notes of 'Wake Up Call' kicked in I counted only 27 punters. Yet again their loss because this was a quality set! These lads play very good tuneful punk rock songs maybe not hardcore punk but punk rock and they deserve better. Favourite songs of mine are 'Forever' and 'Norah Louise Kuzma' and they were both here tonight, most people I talked to were very impressed and the band sold a few CD's after the set was finished one of which found it's way home with me.

Next up were local favourites City Kids and by now a lot more punters had come into the venue.City Kids gigs are few and far between due to Nelly the drummer playing in The Lurkers and Loaded 44 among others so their gigs are usually well anticipated and tonight did not disappoint.The first time I've seen them since they supported the UK Subs at Penrith and they were very good. Its a pity they don't play more often because I'm sure they would do well if they could play more around the country. Also another CD is overdue to follow up the excellent Poppies ep.

On came 999 and I can honestly say I've never seen a bad 999 gig. They play all the stuff you want to hear like 'Homicide', 'Nasty Nasty' and the classic 'Feeling Alright With The Crew'. Tonight also included a couple of songs off the new album and they were very well recieved. By now a lot more people were in and a good few were up jumping around and enjoying themselves its just a pity a few more didn't see The Red Eyes because they were every bit as good as the other bands tonight.

Next up from http://www.myspace.com/stompingrounduk is Goldblade with The Grit and The Rabble on 24th October. £9 in advance probably a bit more on the door so get down early and see all three bands you might be surprised how good they all are.

review by Dave Bell (14 September 2008)