Street Regal

Since its inception in 2001, innumerable bands have played the Fierce Panda-backed Club Fandango at the Bull & Gate, many of whom have long since crashed and burned. Yet, given tonight’s dynamic display, and some serious backing by the likes of The Fly, Radio 1 and a certain Sir Bob Geldof, Street Regal aren’t about to be joining rock’s casualty list.

In fact there’s more chance tonight of two of their fans ending up in the local A&E, one of whom is perched precariously on top of his mate’s shoulders, waving his arms about like it’s 1989 (ask yer older brother kids…). The reason for their excitement, and indeed everyone else’s, is a selection of brilliant and boisterous tunes which batter the senses.

It’s a bruising experience to say the least, especially on the ears. Every song is played with the utmost conviction and at a dangerously high volume. New single ‘Mary Jane’ thunders along, whilst ‘Big Pills’ (apparently about frontman Guy’s inability to swallow tablets) packs a punch big enough to stun a small herd of elephants. Oh yes.

All this and a nasty but nice edge which leaves this reviewer nervously looking over his shoulder as he wobbles along Kentish Town Road on his way home. Street Regal then... scarily good stuff.