Rock Regeneration

Syd Slaps, Southbourne

Following last weekend’s successful gig at a packed Cellar Bar, South Street returned to the more tranquil surroundings of Syds Slaps in Southbourne. Syd’s has been a big supporter of the band who have played here a fair few times and clearly feel comfortable trying new tunes and this afternoon was to be no exception. As a quick refresh South Street are Albie (lead vocals/guitar), Findley (drums) and Phoenix (bass) – 3 teenage lads rapidly becoming the most talked about up-and-coming band in and around Bournemouth. Clearly influenced by music from the 60’s, late 70’s (The Jam) and Ska, they form a formidable trio.

A decent crowd had formed by the time they opened the set with “A Taken Life”, a new tune among many originals they were set to play. The song bounced along nicely and the vocals had a late 70’s Squeeze-like sound to them which is no bad thing. Next up was a Beatles cover; “Day Tripper”, this was the first time they had played it and it was a superb debut. The harmonies sounded like they had been playing it for years, not just over a week! “Quincy Abbot” another original followed and sounded as good as always before The Jam’s “Butterfly Collector” had the crowd singing along. Then followed “Solo” (another new tune) introduced by Phoenix with an explanation of where they nicked the Riff for this one from…this secret stays in Syds.

The Special’s “Rat Race” got a few in the crowd moving and this was followed by the excellent “St. Swithin’s” – you can’t beat some La La La La when spinning around the Roundabout. This is fast becoming a crowd favourite and is impossible to stand still to. The Jam love-in continued with a decent cover of “That’s Entertainment” and this was where part one of the gig was to end……….it didn’t. Albie mentioned a break; but encouraged by the partisan home crowd launched into “The letter”, originally by The Box Tops – this is a quality cover and not an obvious choice but fits in very well with their sound.

Next up Albie introduced “Forget the Lot” and announced to great applause the fact that this will be their debut single and recording of this is not far off. It’s a great tune with all three of the band showcasing their talent, Findlay on drums joins in with plenty of the vocals and his drum solo is a great inclusion. Phoenix on Bass joins in on the chorus and with Albie adding a few flourishes on lead guitar this is going to be an excellent first recording. Next up was a dedication to Albie’s gran who was in the crowd. “Waterloo Sunset”, a cover by The Kinks which is apparently one of her favourites, she’s the coolest Gran in town!

Two originals followed, “Spare Change” and “Good and the Faithful” before a couple of classic covers. I had heard The Specials “Nite Klub” the week before and was a little underwhelmed if I’m being honest, but today they nailed it. The Jam’s “Down In The Tube Station at Midnight” had everyone singing along before they hit us with 3 more of their own songs. “Urbanization” and “Spacesuit” were excellent as always before my personal favourite “Busy Body” ramped up the volume to end the set on a high.

I say this ended the set but of course they were persuaded to plug the amps back in and treat us all to an extended encore which was made up of amongst others “I Am The Apeman”, another by The Kinks; “Chasing Rainbows” by Shed Seven and The Jam’s “A Town Called Malice” which finally ended this epic set. ‘Ricky’ the owner of Syds was keen to keep them playing and the bar takings rolling in, the lads wise to this managed to negotiate an upgrade to their fee in-between songs which was something I’ve not seen before at a gig but summed up the warm vibe of the afternoon.

The lads will be playing the Thomas Tripp in Christchurch on Thursday the 27th February and I would encourage you all to get this date in the diary. The Tripp is a good venue which the band enjoy playing at so this should be an excellent night.

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Article by Robert Davro.