SICK CIRCUS + Sugarking @ Krazyhouse Liverpool – 20th January 2012

It’d be ridiculous to say that Liverpool has a “bubbling undercurrent” (whatever that is) of retro rock bands circulating the city. These two bands are out almost completely on their own, trying to find their place in a scene that…doesn’t really exist anymore. The more cynically-minded might decry their efforts, and it’s hard to blame them in a sense…

Sugarking [6] are a fish out of water even in the company of their peers. Despite boasting a charismatic and crimson-chinned frontman in Alyx Winter and a group of ridiculously capable musicians who overall make up a very tight live band, it’s just a tad bit disingenuous when put in practice. Every member seems to be fighting for their moment in the sun, coming off a little too desperate for a hint of attention from a generally lifeless and unconvinced crowd. They don’t seem to have respect for their songs, their performance, or even each other’s personal space. A great rock n’ roll band should make you feel like all you need in the world is beer and tits. Sugarking just make you want a Horlicks. There’s potential there, don’t let that go unnoticed. Just take a note, boys: let go of the charade and just be a band.

Sick Circus [8] on the other hand are surprisingly outstanding. On record, it’s not unreasonable to be scared off by the glam metal tendencies and the vocal melodies straight out of the 80’s. But live, especially tonight, you’d have to be completely devoid of fun to not feel the sleazy, stripper charming sexiness of the kind of music Sick Circus make. Yes, it’s a throwback, a throwback to a style that has and always will be utterly ridiculous. But Sick Circus and every band that’s done it before them know it and don’t give a shiny shite. The mid-set festivities when ‘Bone Crusher’ rolls around are all the right kinds of hilarious, ‘House Of Pain’ is the textbook definition of a “choon” (that fucking chorus) and how can you argue with a band that absolutely rips through a rendition of ‘Them Bones’ by the sacred (yes, sacred, don’t you do argue any different) Alice In Chains? Top drawer stuff for a Friday fucking night.

These bands must have an endless stream of faith in themselves to play in styles that automatically disqualify them from “what the kids like”, but as long as they can keep up with Sick Circus, they’re probably going to be alright. Scarves around mic stands fo’ lyf.

Words: Frank Ryan

Links:

Sick Circus:

http://www.facebook.com/sickcircus

http://www.sick-circus.com

http://www.twitter.com/sickcircus

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