Pete Bentham And The Dinner Ladies ��
A breath of kitchencore got Liverpool Sound City off to a bang at the O2 Academy. Supporting the one time John Peel favourites, ‘The Fall’, were the curiously named ‘Pete Bentham And The Dinner Ladies’ who exploded their ‘Kitchen Sink Punk Rock & Roll’ onto an unsuspecting public.
The band came on with Marigoldy (bass and vocals) and Gabrielle Fray Bentos (drums, vocals and bowler hat) clad in their very appropriate bright plastic serving aprons. They kicked off with ‘Do The Don’t’ before blasting ‘The Boy With Magazines’ from their excellent album, ‘New Underground’; a great little tune, with the ‘Ladies joining in on the catchy chorus. The crowd by now were hooked. Those hardcore ‘Fall fans at the bar became more interested and started moving closer to the stage area to see who was creating such a buzz.
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There followed three more songs off the album; ‘Nature’, ‘The Che Guevara Thing’, and 'Part Time Punk’. ‘The Che Guevara Thing’ has some brilliant lyrics and post punk rock & roll guitar. The ‘Ladies interaction and backing was very reminiscent of early American College bands; it just fitted together so nicely. ‘Part Time Punk’ entertainingly gives out a warning to anyone following a punk lifestyle and what might be their future if they continue. I must commend the band for this public information message (tongue in cheek here); another great tune.
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When all of the band kick in, the sound is tremendous; Pete thrashing away on his guitar trying to wear out the scratch plate (and his elbow); Gabrielle bashing the hell out of the drums. Marigoldy thunderously playing the bassiest bass possible and John ‘The Caretaker’ Lewis going cross-eyed trying to inflate either the sax or clarinet. The crowd loved them.
‘Work’ and ‘Anger In The World’ were closely followed by another dip into the album for ‘Anger In The World, which was then followed by ‘The Lorry Driver Song’. Those diehards resisting the kitchen assault were all to be reigned in with the totally interactive ‘Hip Potater’. Here, Pete had the crowd in the palm of his hand, ordering them to shout back the words ‘Hip Potater, Hip Potater’ at his command. A truly marvellous spectacle.
Unfortunately, due to two more bands due to appear they stopped serving and with no time left for seconds, they left the stage.
You must give this band a listen, preferably live; Failing that, hunt down their excellent album ‘New Underground’.
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 4 available.