Bash and Pop, Deadcuts The Garage, Islington June 29th

View: On the decks, in front of the mixing desk

The Deadcuts set the tone for the evening: short, sharp songs played with economy and a minimum of fuss. I’d like to hear the songs again somewhere with better acoustics. Bash and Pop is the name ex-Replacement Tommy Stinson uses for his more Faces / Stones-orientated material, so far recorded on two CDs separated by a mere 25 years. Tommy handles lead vocals and rhythm guitar, sympathetically supported by Joe Sirois on he-means-it drums, Justin Perkins on bass and Steve Selvidge on lead guitar and birthday cake. From the first CD, Fast and Hard and Never Aim To Please were impressive statements of intent, followed by a version of The Kids Are Alright that had everyone grinning. From the newer CD, Not This Time and Anybody Else impressed, and Tommy starting Anytime Soon on his own to bring a welcome change of pace. Any hint of a mid-set lull was dispelled by the appearance of John Perry and Peter Perrett from the Only Ones for an excellent four guitar version of Another Girl, Another Planet. This moved the set up a gear, with a triumphant finish of Anything Could Happen, First Steps and Friday Night is Killing Me getting a great response from the select crowd. Tommy, now don’t be a stranger…

Photo credit: Ronny Dap