Garrison

Originally the gig tonight was supposed to be at the Bassment further down the road as the Packhorse had apparently stopped putting bands on. Until, that is, about a week ago when the promoters decided to change their mind and confuse everyone anticipating the exciting return of Garrison by changing venues at the last minute. Despite this however, it seems the Leeds punk and hardcore scene has come out in force tonight, with the tiny room upstairs at the Packhorse rammed right to the back with punters eager to witness Garrison’s unique blend of post-hardcore Indie-flavoured melodies.

But, with a PA that’s roughly equivalent to that used by my old primary school for sport’s day it’s starting to look doubtful that out of the 58 dates Garrison are playing in 60 days, this particular gig is not going to show the band at their peak. Which doesn’t mean it won’t be one of the most memorable, as the loud-mouthed guy on the door will ensure later into the night with his, errr… Leeds humour.

But preceding the night’s headliners we have a fresh new band to come out of Leeds and indeed possibly, “the best melodic punk band to have emerged in over twenty years” according to No Kind Of Superstar fanzine, in the shape of Milloy. Milloy specialise in twisting the melodic hardcore of bands like Hot Water Music and injecting an old skool kick-ass energy to produce some awesome hooks and an incredible performance. Their vocalist also displays a promising vocation as a stand-up comedian through his witty, dry-humoured jokes and remarks, “I was at work today, right? And I was their wiping this guy’s arse, and suddenly his leg fell off! Scared the shit out of me it did. Didn’t bother him though. What? No, course it wasn’t real – prosthetic. You can always tell a man’s got a prosthetic leg when one shoe’s not creased!” Maybe you had to be there.

Garrison, stride onto the stage soon after and remind us just what’s so special about this band. They’re gifted for a start with two vocalists who can produce the most catchy and different melodies you’ll hear in a long while. As they launch into ‘Recognize An Opportunity’ you just feel compelled to move along with the music. Other gems such as ‘Dump The Body’ make an appearance and you soon find your lips mouthing the chorus of “I could point a finger but I’d rather point a gun” without you realising it.

As the set draws to a close it soon apparent that despite the terrible sound tonight Garrison’s songs shine through and make this gig one to remember. If tonight is anything to go by, the next time Garrison play it’ll be at somewhere other than a tiny room above a pub and one that’ll hopefully do them justice.