Page 59 - Black Velvet Issue 94

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JUNKYARD / THE FIASCOS / THE JOKERS – EVESHAM IRON ROAD, 23.08.17
If you’ve never been to Evesham Iron Road, we’ll set the scene. It’s basically a cosy pub close to the train station. Evesham is not the most hap-
pening of places, but The Iron Road is getting some great bands in their calendar. A band like Junkyard, you may think would be too big for The Iron
Road, although with a high price of £20 on the door (£18.50 in advance), this is one more for the real diehards who have followed the band through
their career and are eager for this long-awaited return to the UK (it’s been 26 years since they were last here).
UK classic rock band The Jokers are up first onto the tiny, few-inches-high stage at the back of the left side of the pub. It’s already busy, with not
much space to move about in. The Jokers get the night off to a fine start with an enjoyable set of bluesy rock ‘n’ roll. They’re a solid four-piece. Paul
Hurst on guitar pulls out his best rock star poses. There’s a fun cover of Free’s ‘All Right Now’ in between the band’s own groove-laden songs such
as ‘Lockdown’ and ‘Silver City’. The Jokers have been a band for over ten years and their professionalism shows, with a set worthy of headlining.
A band from down south follows the band from up north. Opening with ‘Destroy The Radio’, The Fiascos sound like their band name – feisty, punk
rock ‘n’ roll. Fun, fast and with a little bit of danger spiced in. ‘Built For Speed’ is a fist-punching festivity, while ‘Olivia’ is another quick-paced, energy
blitz. Keef Gibbs and Richie Hudson share vocal duties for the most part, although bassist Ben Lawson even sings one song. A striking set by a band
we hope to see again soon.
“Who was here 26 years ago? Who
wasn’t even born 26 years ago?” David
Roach of Junkyard asks. It’s definitely
been a while since Junkyard were
around – at least in the UK. These guys
came to the attention of rock fans when
their self-titled album was released on
major label Geffen Records back in
1989 and it’s great to hear songs such
as singles ‘Simple Man’ and ‘Hollywood’
again after so long. ‘Blooze’ is a full-on,
drinking party song, perfect for the pub
setting. The band had a sleazy, glam
punk image back in the day, although
have since cut their hair and now have
much more of an old school punk vibe.
Junkyard have released a new album
entitled ‘High Water’ this year on Ac-
etate Records, and from it, play ‘Styro-
foam Cup’, which has a slightly
mellower, country tinge. David forgets
when ‘Wallet’ is due to be played, quip-
ping an intro to it before the wrong song
and has some microphone issues too.
Songs such as the rocking ‘All The Time
In The World’ and ballad ‘Hands Off’
help bring the late show (the band didn’t
go on stage until 10.30pm) to a smash-
ing end just before midnight. If you were
ever a fan of Junkyard back in the day,
going to see them will not disappoint. Al-
though hopefully it won’t be another 26
years before they come back.
YYYY
SBV
David Roach & Todd Muscat (Junkyard) Photo
By Shari Black Velvet

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