Music > Live Reviews

GAFFA TAPE SANDY, DAMP MATCHES, ANNA’S BONES

The Adrian Flux Waterfront

12/02/22

Having been postponed for the reason that dare not speak its name, Ideal Surreal get to bring Gaffa Tape Sandy to the Waterfront. Of course, things aren’t that straightforward and original openers Lady Di cannot play. ANNA’S BONES make a more than satisfying replacement, Dingus Khan and SuperGlu have long been favourites of mine. As Anna’s Bones feature Krista of the latter and Ben of both, it was almost a certainty that I would love Anna’s Bones. The sound isn’t a million miles away from SuperGlu - think Fall and Half Man Half Biscuit – but lead vocalist/occasional guitarist Rebecca brings a different angle. Only seven gigs old, Anna’s Bones deliver fun, slightly shambolic (in a good way) indie-pop-rock and it is good.

Music is of course a very personal thing and DAMP MATCHES just don’t do it for me. Don’t get me wrong, the vocals and the playing are great, they know how to put on a show and pretty much everyone else here loves it. Not for the first time, I am seemingly in a minority of one but the Damp Matches’ metal-rap leaves me cold. 

And now for GAFFA TAPE SANDY, a band that I have seen umpteen times and who genuinely helped reignite my love for live music when I first saw them back in 2017. Despite this show being postponed from way back when, I have managed to see them since live music came back – downstairs for Wild Paths 2021 and in BSE Rock City at Washing Machine’s tenth birthday party. And this, I am pleased to say, is one of the best sets I have seen them play. From raging opener Water Bottle to closer Kill The Chord and hugely deserved encore L’Appel Du Vide, the intensity levels never drop during the fifteen song set. Two newish songs - the heavy dub-post-punk of Devour and steaming punk of Split – and a skanktastic take on Smart Dressed Guy are definite highlights.

As ever, Gaffa Tape Sandy are brilliant and should be HUGE.