Gig Review – Straighten Out – The Hope and Anchor – London 12th September 2015.

Gig Review – Straighten Out – The Hope and Anchor – London 12th September 2015.

The Genuine Article?

Arriving before we left, we found ourselves at our destination several decades ahead of setting out. Which was just as well, given the unpredictable, rambunctious nature of Sugar Tong Powered Travel.

The Time was 1977. The place was The Hope and Anchor in Islington, London, UK. The reason was The Stranglers…

…Well, it was and it wasn’t!

You see, as any amount of finger tapping on the glass panel of the chronometer display failed to alert us to the contradictive nature of the collective experience currently responsible for the delusion under which we were labouring…

…Yes, the destination was the Hope and Anchor. But the time was not 1977 it was 2015! And, as it turns out, the reason was Straighten Out!

Straighten Out the UK’s Premier Stranglers Tribute band in London for the second of their biannual appearances at this legendary venue…

…The Hope and Anchor, newly refurbished back to its original configuration, with the stage at the rear of the venue and the bar at the front (as opposed to the vice versa arrangement of preceding years). Making better use of the tiny cellars acoustics and allowing more room for both band and reveller alike to do their respective things! While adding yet another layer of authenticity to the experience of the Sisters and Brothers of the Order of The Men in Black (SaBoTooTMiB) as they make their Autumnal pilgrimage to this venerated site…

And so it was that the mass gathered to pay their respect to Phil, Shaggy, Mick and Micky as they dished out another blinder. (Having caught up with Shaggy earlier he informed me that a few surprises were in store tonight, not least no (Waltzinblack) intro and a new (much smaller) bass rig.)

Straighten Out took to the stage (sans intro) and proceeded to inform us (to our very delight) that tonight they would be performing Rattus Norvegicus in its entirety plus assorted other gems of the Strangler variety. Thus they blasted from Sometimes through Sewer with a skilful, spirited and sweaty ease. The crowd showed their appreciation by going bananas in a manner most befitting of such a fine display of craft, including but not limited to much dancing (including a strange phenomenon known as The Antler Dance), cheering, leaping, whistling, chanting and air keyboard/guitar/bass/drums. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house (due not to tears but to sweat).

And the sound, well it’s been said before but it’s still relevant – close your eyes and you could’ve been there in 1977! Mick’s keys sounding superb due to both their authenticity and his superb playing. Micky’s Drums tight and punchy, Phil’s Tele and Twin combo biting and (importantly) audible! And last but by no means least Shaggy’s physics defying bass – with his new ‘Tardis’ bass rig, he threw away the pint pot and managed to fit the quart into a thimble – out of which there came a huge growling, crunching take no prisoners Precision projection. All of which topped off with very accurate vocal deliveries from Phil, Shaggy and Mick plus a sprinkle of sparkling menace for good measure, made for much MiB Manna!

Did I say they sounded good tonight? No, I meant they sounded F**king Sublime!

In a town near you…

Coming Your Way!

Miss at your peril – etc, Etc, EiTC…

Over…

Words and Photos: EiTC.

Bonus: