SHARK PARK + PUNKA + ANAS – SUSSEX HOTEL, BEXHILL-ON-SEA 29.03.19
Well, whilst the rest of the team were off to see the IDLES at the Dome in Brighton (read our reports HERE, HERE and HERE), I made my way to Bexhill once again to enjoy the delights of an evening of ‘Punk At The Sussex’. I was particularly interested in a band called Shark Park. as I had heard their single ‘Daisies’, which was released about a month ago and I absolutely love it. I wondered if they could sound that good live.
I arrived at the Sussex just before 8pm and received the welcome that I have mentioned to you all in my previous reviews at this venue. First up tonight were Anas. This band hail from Brighton and they informed the crowd that this was their first gig for about 10 years. They also had a brand new vocalist and this was his first ever gig with the band. I can’t tell you to much more about the band, except they are great fun. There isn’t much information available for them. Their set was really fast punk rock, which I really enjoyed. The highlights for me were ‘Narcotic Nanna’, ‘Seagulls’ and ‘Jägerbomb’.
The full setlist reads:
‘S**t Tattoo’, ‘Mad Religion’, ‘Narcotic Nanna’, ‘Bigliest Machine’, ‘The Promise’, ‘Gaymer’, ‘Seagulls,’ ‘Jägerbomb’’, ‘Help‘ and Spagbol America’.
Second up tonight were Punka. This band are a South East based, original 3 piece punk band. The line up is Martin Ray (guitar/vocals), Martin Haslam (bass/vocals) and Tom (drums). The band formed in January 2014 and they released their debut 6-track EP ‘Cashball’ the following year, which is available to listen HERE .
I had previously seen the band perform live last year, when they were supporting Scottish rockers ‘Control’. Read the review HERE as part of out Punk Weekender.
Tonight, they kicked off with their first song called ‘Biff’, I loved the guitar straight away and had a great position to view and hear from. Second up ‘Bed Of Nails’, and all those around me were approving and some started to dance up the front. The set continued and I have to say that I really enjoyed this band.
The highlights of the set were ’N.R.A’, ‘O.C.D’, Shame On You’, ‘Jaeger Bomb’ and a brilliant cover of the Stiff Little Fingers ‘Alternative Ulster’.
The full setlist reads:
‘Biff’, ‘Bed Of Nails’, ‘Don’t Know Them’, ‘O.C.D’, ‘Even Angrier’, ‘Get The Knife’, ’25 Quid’, ’N.R.A.’, ‘Left Right’, ‘Shame On You’, ‘Lemmy’, ‘Lost Years’, ‘Welcome To The End’, ‘Jaeger Bomb’ and ‘Alternative Ulster’.
Well we were all warmed up nicely for tonight’s main act Shark Park hand as I mentioned earlier, I was really looking forward to hearing these guys. I had a chance to talk to the band members at the bar prior to their set, which enabled me to find out a little about them.
The band hail from Eastbourne and the current line up has a couple of new members including the new lead vocalist. The band are; Jordan Penny (vocals), Nick Charlton (guitar/vocals), Conor Bamber (lead guitar/vocals), Drew Gregg (bass) and Stevie Smith (drums/vocals). The bands new 5-track EP entitled ‘Clarity’ was released today 29th of March on all good streaming sites. I had been listening to it during the day wondering if they could possibly sound as good as that! Listen HERE.
They started the set with ‘All The Same’, which is the second track of the new EP. Let’s just say that all those around me were saying wow! The hairs on the back of my neck were standing up straight away. They sound amazing and Jordan on the vocals is so into what he is doing, that it’s captivating to watch. Second up was the third track on the EP ‘Now Wait’, again this was brilliant.
Jordan let us know that he had a chest infection and flu so felt he wasn’t sounding as good as he normally does. Well he sounded great now, so can’t wait until next time. The guitars were awesome from each band member and they provided a deep alternative rock sound. Conor on the lead also delivered sublime solo delivery.
Next up ‘Daisies’, this was the single the band released on the 19th of February 2019, also on the EP and my personal favourite. This was brilliant and boy can these guys play. By now I am lost in their performance and I just love every song they are playing.
The next up was a cover ‘Sugar’, and the set continued. There were another couple of covers that were delivered really well. I think that this band are one to watch for the future and I will be seeking them out again, really soon.
The full setlist reads:
