Hard Skin – Stockwell Grosvenor – 15^th June 2013

Saturday night is punk night at the Grosvenor. Before headliners Hard Skin appear we’re entertained by Frau who sound like they picked up their instruments for the first time during the last week (very 1977). The Pukes who follow Frau play largely acoustic but energetic versions of punk classics whilst combining a hen party with playing a gig (good luck Cheryl!).

Hard Skin however are the real deal. The music is hard and fast, but it’s not a case of ‘bash it out and hope for the best’: these guys can play. Their lyrics are probably the most non-PC on the planet, but their tongues are  firmly stuck in their collective cheeks. They don’t mean it maaaaan. They depict real life with a twist. Their merchandise includes shopping bags emblazoned with the slogans “Bag for wife” and “Shopping is for ****s” (minus the asterisks). Some of their t-shirts could without doubt get you arrested.

Tonight was loud, bouncy and sweaty with great tunes. A celebration of what punk was really all about, but with added irony. A bloke who was probably there tells me that wasn’t quite like 1977, but it was f***ing close! 

                                                                                      Mark Kelly