Fucked Up - Hoxton Bar and Kitchen, London, 9/8/2010

  by Chris O'Toole

published: 29 / 7 / 2010

intro

Chris O' Toole at the Hoxton Bar and Kitchen in London watches a celebratory, yet terrifying set peformance from Canadain hardcore outfit F**ked Up

Terrifying. That is the only word which can accurately be applied to witnessing Canadian hardcore outfit Fucked Up in the flesh. While the group place themselves at the cerebral end of the genre, their fans still represent a rabid, baying mob, screaming, banshee like, in time with each syllable. Particularly unnerving is Pink Eyes (frontman Damian Abraham) who towers over the assembled, screaming hysterically when he is not tearing into the audience leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. He is supported by a duo of attack dog guitarists (third guitarist Ben Cook is presently in hospital recovering from, what is doubtlessly, a gig related injury), Sandy Miranda on the bass and ferocious Mr Jo (Jonah Falco) on drums. To the casual fan – hell, even to the diehard – this assault can be a little overwhelming. But there is solidarity amid the madness at this kind of event. No real danger. Indeed the band is in celebratory mood at the Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen this evening. (Despite having a 7’ entitled 'Hoxton Cunts', the group is happy to take the paycheque). New single 'Year of the Ox' has just been released and receives a rapturous reception this evening. Drawing from the Chinese Zodiac, it is the sort of material which has allowed the band to set themselves apart from the more mouth breathing fraternity which predominate the scene – see support act Trash Talk. Politically motivated, melodically inclined, Fucked Up offer more than the usual pummelling assault; mixing in elements of theatrical performance, Krautrock and Camel citrates. Of course the exploration of organised religion, rebirth, and mysticism, the use of sigils, the chat show appearances, the deliberately murky back catalogue, limited editions and semi-naked live shows all add to the drama. To the outsider they look like cheap gimmicks, a band of dilettantes with a grab-bag of cultural references to shield themselves from awkward questions. But to believers, the mythology is a symbol of Fucked Up’s uncompromising stand. How much you take from their show depends on your position; with them or against them.

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