A Close Last @ Zelda's World: Punk & Stuff

A Close Last
Sunday 18th August 2002
The Cathouse, Glasgow

The first time I saw A Close Last I was stunned to say the least, although I was pretty sure I liked them but with so much happening visually it was a bit much for me to take in. So here I am again, hopefully a little more prepared for their on stage shenanigans. This time they arrive on stage wearing dust masks to a bit of a techno sound, blast into 'Stop Being A Cow' and start jumping around the stage enthusiastically. Singer Ross instructs "bass master, play it faster" as Joe the bassist plays the funky intro to 'One Better' a song that tears along with excellent fast bass and crashing cymbals. Ross tempts the crowd down the front by offering them free CDs, an offer that is too hard to refuse. They are a very lively band, which is always exciting to watch, and there's always something happening on stage to keep you amused. They have good songs as well, which vary between sweet-tinged fast, pop punk and an edgier, more aggressive sound. 'No Turning Back' is even faster than previous songs and is an excellent short blast perfect for jumping around to. Not content with jumping around in their own space the band members use the whole stage area and move around constantly; resulting in their cables ending up in knots, which they only half try to untangle in an attempt to get swiftly on to their next song. 'Jealous' is the one where they all jump the same way at the same time and 'Fight Neds' is sheer madness showing off a much harsher sound and testing Ross's lung capacity as he screams the very lengthened "n-e-d-s!". They follow this with another fast pop punk number then it's back to the heavier sound of 'Fight Neds' on a song that's thrashier and has chants of "Oi! Oi! Oi!". Ross teases the crowd with his last free CD before they finish off less abruptly than last time, but just as impressively.

A Close Last website