RAPE CRISIS CHARITY GIG AT NICE N SLEAZY, 30.07.16

Four bands. Five-hundred and fifty-two pounds raised. One tray of excellent charity cheesecake.

Whichever way you cut it, the folk over at the Glasgow Rape Crisis Centre have done themselves proud with this weekend’s fundraiser. Hosted at Sauchiehall Street’s Nice N Sleazy, the bizarre line-up seems to have drawn a fairly impressive attendance: the bar above is packed to the rafters and despite our arrival just minutes after doors, the basement venue is already buzzing with people.

Thankfully the first act of the night are prompt and save us the headache of trying to find a seat. Pop-punk trio Bad Luck take the honour, gracing the stage with nothing save a few acoustic guitars and an apology from their affable frontman: he has a congested nose and has apparently really been stressing it. He needn’t have worried however as there’s no sign of issue in the three’s smooth performance. Even when second vocalist Kim Miller admits to relying on a too small lyrics sheet before launching into a Jimmy Eat World cover, they seem polished in a way that suggests a natural confidence in each other’s abilities, despite whatever nerves they might harbour. Overall the DIY nature of the set does more help than harm, and it sets the atmosphere for the night up nicely.

Unfortunately, Dundonian hardcore punks Stonethrower now face an uphill battle in swinging the vibe their way. Before an unfamiliar crowd and pushing the heaviest tracks of the night, they blast through their time with cheerful consistency, egged on by the few head-bangers in the front. It’s not hard to imagine what a band like this could do with a more energetic audience. Still, there’s smiles all around and even the most cynical light-rocker has to admire their zeal.  

The night rounds out with two supergroup cover sets, the second of which sees an impressive mix of Murderburgers, Lemonaids and Walking Targets members playing a selection from Dear Landlord’s discography. Contrasted by the eerie green lighting, they really capture the spirit of American melodic punk and it becomes clear that not only is every member intensely familiar with the material, but the impact that it’s had on influencing their own music.

Undeniably the best received act of the evening however sits on the opposite end of the spectrum, composed of names from both Veto and Flakes. With an act so big they barely fit on the stage and a vocalist who happily admits to hating the original songs, their Paramore covers draw the most interactive crowd yet. In fact, by the time chart-topper ‘Misery Business’ rolls around, a second microphone has somehow found its way off of the stage and a less than sober audience member is screaming backing vocals so enthusiastically you’d think Hayley William’s life depended on it.

Although it might have been nice to see a few more women on the bill, there are at least more than none. Which obviously isn’t a terribly high bar to set but as the scene goes these days it’s more than you can usually expect to get.

As it stands, the evening provides good music, delicious cake, and the chance to help a great cause. If you needed an excuse to donate to charity you’ve got it.