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Sep 26, 2024 By Nick Roseblade Photography by Nick Roseblade Web Exclusive

Looking forward to gigs is the best, but it can also mean you are up for a fall if the bands don’t live up to your self-imposed hype. And to say I was hyped about the prospect of seeing Slag, Bones Ate Afra and Rottweiler again would be an understatement. All three have been highlights of live music of the last few months in Brighton.

Rottweiler were the first band to take to the stage. It had been a few months since I’d last seen them so expectations were high. The band opened with their debut single “Man You’re Fearing.” As the band started playing, I noticed that singer Jessica James wasn’t on the stage. A few moments later she exploded from the side onto the stage, and without missing a beat, launched into the first verse. The music was frenetic, and they were tighter than the previous gig. This was impressive as they were pretty tight then! Whenever they play live there is a different theme. This time James was dressed in a black dress, whitened face and a handcuff hanging from her right wrist. The bassist and drummer were dressed in white shirts with blood stains on them. Had James killed them and escaped while being arrested? It wasn’t explained but it was a strong look. As the set progressed the music swayed between grunge, post-hardcore and straight up rawk. During “Revelations” James instructed the crowd to start “Rocking out.” She then jumped down from the stage, kicked open the fire doors. Ran outside. Moments later she barged her way through the crowd. Joined in the seething throng in the crowd and made it back on stage to deliver the final lines of the song. Not seen that for a while… Current single “Sarah” got the biggest reaction of the night. Willow Simpson’s guitar solos were immense, but not too over the top. The final song was called “Toulouse.” It was the heaviest song they played. It had a classic Seattle 1992 grunge sound, while being upbeat and catchy. Then their set was over.

Bones Ate Afra were up next. This was predominantly a punk set. Filthy bass. Shouty vocals and loads of attitude, but with the songs to back it up. Their message seemed to be don’t be a dick and have the best time you can, regardless of what’s happening in your life. Not a bad message. At one point during the set, the drummer picked up his cymbals and jumped off the stage. He then walked about smashing it. He made his way to the door frame in the Green Door. He then climbed and sat atop it and kept time until he decided it was time to get back on stage drum properly again. It was a spectacle that I hadn’t seen before. The standout track was their closer “Asbestos.” For this one a pit was formed and for the next few minutes all you could see was people jumping, thrashing and flailing limbs. It wasn’t as savage as the pit at an Epsom Salts gig but wasn’t a tea party either.

After a short break Slag took to the stage. This wasn’t just any gig it was for their debut single “Ripped” launch. As the band took the stage, they were wearing the same keep fit/exercise attire had on in the video. The opening song had a wonderful hypnotic guitar riff that showed off front person Amelie’s playing and vocals. This gave way to a massive chorus with huge chugging guitars, before the intricate verse kicked in again. As with Rottweiler, Slag had gotten tighter and oozed confidence to the sold-out Green Door. Before the second song Amelie said “Who was here for freshers on Tuesday?” A big crowd erupted “You gave me the flu you bastards! ” she half-heartedly scolded. Considering she wasn’t 100%, her vocals sounded as precise and as rich as they had previously.

Before launching into a new song Amelie said “This is a new one. I’m afraid…”. On this one her vocals ranged from Fiona Apple to Jeff Buckley. “Still Here” was another catchy song that allowed lead guitarist Slag to let rip and show what he could do. “Liar” was another new one. Massive bassline and vocals was the order of the day. It was also the heaviest song of the set and felt slightly out of place with the others. Maybe it might make it as the set closer in the future so they can REALLY let rip before they exit the stage. And then it was time for “Ripped” The crowd went WILD! From the opening line to the last the crowd knew every word. The band were slightly taken aback to have the crowd act as a sixth member, but they were also loving the response. Considering that song went live online that day this was impressive, shocking and testament to how great the single is. The song is about living with, and overcoming, grief, but given the catchy nature of the music and the way the words were gleefully bellowed back to the band you wouldn’t know it. “Legs” closed the set with hypnotic guitars and a massive sing-along chorus. And then it was all over. House lights one. Time to go home.

All three of the bands have great songs and put on a hell of a show live. Bone Ate Afra are the kind of band that I’d happily see again and again live but I’m not sure if I’d buy their music or listen to it at home. You need to see them in their natural environment to get them at their best. Slag and Rottweiler have IT. Their songs are intricate in a way that doesn’t seem overly complicated. They’re catchy in a way that isn’t dumb and their meanings are heartfelt. If there is any justice both will go on to tour the UK, play festivals and release incredibly strong debut albums. In short, their songs ripped!