SAILOR JERRY PRESENTS… FLYING THE FLAG FOR NEW MUSIC IN BRISTOL AND BEYOND
With the series of Sailor Jerry Presents 2011 events coming to a close with Cerebral Ballzy’s set at The Macbeth in London, we look back to when we were lucky enough to catch the fourth show of the year landing at Thekla, Bristol back in October. With the tour previously stopping by Brighton, Glasgow and Manchester we were lucky enough to be graced by Dananananaykroyd and what was to be be their final show in Bristol before they disband.
The first packed Sailor Jerry Presents show of the year was with Reading rockers Pulled Apart by Horses back in April, setting the pace for the incredible series of live shows to follow. The S.J Presents series works with musicians and artists who express Sailor Jerry’s approach to authenticity and craftsmanship with a no nonsense, anti-authority attitude. For the bands selected for these events it is truly a privilege: “Each event will feature talent who, like Norman Collins himself, are pioneers with a truly original story behind their music or lyrics, with the events hosted at iconic venues in some of the UK’s biggest cities.” Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins was the father of old-school American tattooing and his visionary style influenced an entire generation of tattoo artists which is still recognized today.
The night commenced, warmed up by local talents The Hit Ups and post-punk outfit Idles the crowd are ready for tonight’s headliners. Aided upon arrival by the kindly gift of a drinks token handed out to celebrate the famous spiced rum in the combination of Sailor & ginger or Sailor & cola. Along with these, free replication tattoo transfers were handed out and adorned by many of the band members and well as the crowd. Dananananaykroyd somewhat burst onto stage. With the infectiously catchy ‘Think and Feel’ this is the last ever single release taken from (what was only) their second album ‘There Is A Way’ it is sad to think this will be the last we hear from the Glaswegian six-man musical fireball and also the last time we will see this animated group live. With the room filing and everyone packing towards the stage, the atmosphere rises and so does the crowd anticipation as we looked forward to the boys delivering one of their well renowned performances full of vigor and charisma with their unique mix of indie-rock guitar, drums and multiple, highly energetic, vocalists.
The band don’t fail to disappoint as the boat heaves and bounces with an epidemic of energy the dual vocal stylings are ripe for sing-alongs. The jagged wild stabbing guitars can’t help but move the hips of even the biggest sceptic. Getting the whole room down to the floor for a unanimous leap up to the start of ‘Watch this!’ it is clear this room is filled with devoted fans as John Ballie need say nothing more than the song name and people start to hit the deck. As the night closes it really is sad to think what a talented group we’re about to lose and despite the awkwardness of the name it’s their awkward kinesis and flavor we’ll probably miss most.
Words and photos: Laura Palmer
