What’s the number one thing to do in St Albans? Seeing PET NEEDS at The Horn, that’s what.
It’s been a few years since our last visit to the chilly front of St Albans. After all that passing time, there had been no improvement in the stage light department, the décor has remained the same, and the odour at the bar has changed from fish to eggs. Thankfully, this time at The Horn, all cocks had been securely trousered, with no instances of masturbation on stage (you had to be there).
Was it the tune-up we could hear on entering the back room at The Horn pub in St Albans, or had the band Sovereigns started early? We checked the clock. It was the tune-up. We’ve read that Sovereigns (Bennie, Elliot, Milo and Owen), a four piece indie outfit from London/Essex, allow fans to watch rehearsals.
Whatever the ingredients may be, the mixture is right!"
With no to-do whatsoever, they began – with drummer Owen (who would prove to be an animal on the skins) the first to come out onto the tiny but famously well-occupied stage. He started with some practice single and double stroke rolls, then some increasingly insistent paradiddles. He put them all together, and – oh, actually this is the start, they have started! “Get your pen out,” says the photographer, and we’re off…
Sovereigns’ sound is instantly engaging: fast-paced, rocking chaos explodes, and energy hits you as the driving bass lines and strong chord infrastructure provide the perfect foundation for those catchy and expertly executed guitar riffs on top. We noted a hint of XTC but thought again, perhaps the aroma of The Undertones meets West Coast skate punk with a twist of Dr. Feelgood? Their cocktail of songs ranged from anger, frustration, angst, lost love, to the general existentialism of ‘why’… Whatever the ingredients may be, the mixture is right!
Sovereigns are an intensely musical bunch"
Playing their songs Temporary Tattoo, Now You’re Gone, Wondering Why and I’ll be Waiting, Sovereigns are an intensely musical bunch whose skilful vocal intros by Bennie and Elliot develop through harmony, key changes and texture, guitar riffs then increasingly intense drumming building a crescendo by riffing off each other- louder, faster, higher. The band play with unrelenting determination and a vigorous, intoxicating vitality that are very much appreciated by the small but supportive audience. We looked for the band after the show as we would have been fascinated to ask them what was in their parents’ record box… hopefully we’ll meet again and we can ask them about their teenage dreams so hard to beat…
Glitchers were up next. We were expecting acrobatics when we saw the knee and elbow padding, reminiscent of Andy Ellison (look him up, kids). And indeed, acrobatics we got. Jake (vocals, guitar) and Sophie (drums) usually play ‘flash punk’ on the streets for free.
Their sound was loud, heavy, scream-filled, and thrashingly unique."
This band could easily be dismissed, as some folks did. ‘What a tit,’ someone remarked. However, their performance took us back to a time when we would sit in darkened rooms listening to ‘Earth VS Shockabilly‘ and Alien Sex Fiend. Their ‘pay what you like’ merch, always sustainably sourced, echoes their anti-capitalist message and the ethos that ‘All music is art and should be treated as such’. Tonight, these two packed a ridiculous amount of energy into their set, armed with a parcel-taped megaphone and a new, gifted Marshall amp.
Their sound was loud, heavy, scream-filled, and thrashingly unique. We were invited to join in singing lyrics like ‘F*** the Tories’ (we didn’t), with Jake leaping and writhing about the stage. We guessed that a relatively soft stage floor must have been a welcome change from the cold, concrete pavement.
With a confident, theatrical flourish, Pet Needs kick off their set with Separation Anxiety, a blazing, punk-fueled song that transforms the typical love song into a breakneck tale of angst and pain. Johnny’s powerful vocals are complemented by a driving beat and relentless guitar riffs, delighting the ever-growing audience.
Energy and passion are in rich supply tonight"
Tracey Emin’s Bed follows, its message of juxtaposition and contradiction coming through loud and clear as the band sing themes of controversy to a dance-y, catchy melody, accompanied by a feisty rhythm and bass section. Ibiza in Winter follows, this track’s deep and personal sentiment underpinned by a sense of creativity and positivity despite the lyrics of desperation and exhaustion, and Johnny connects instantly with the audience, his eyes fixed on the fans, his stance proud, confident, emphatic.
Each frenetic guitar riff and thunderous drum fill serves as a sonic rebellion against the mundane, leaving the audience exhilarated and hungry for more of the idiosyncratic lyrics and raw, punchy sound."
Energy and passion are in rich supply tonight as the band follow with Fear for the Whole Damn World (a tribute to “the most punk rock kitten that ever lived” )and Tried and Failed, an emotive, heartfelt song, so musically played and communicated for us. The evening continued with an electrifying plunge into the heart of rebellious sonic chaos with songs Primetime Entertainment, Kayak and Pavlovian. Excoriated energy pulsated as the band unleashed a ferocious onslaught of chords and blistering drum beats, with lyrics that reverberated through the small yet fervent crowd. The band’s unapologetic attitude and unbridled passion for their craft were palpable, fostering an atmosphere of liberation and defiance as they continued with tour debut Sleep When I’m Dead followed by Scratch Card, before launching into the illustrative Punk isn’t Dead, it’s Just up for Sale.
....leaving the audience exhilarated and hungry for more of the idiosyncratic lyrics and raw, punchy sound"
Attempting to ‘tour the road less travelled’ this time, Johnny, George, Jack, and Rich display the same warmth and enthusiasm here, playing to a smaller crowd, as they did months ago at a packed Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Their fan base in the environs of St Albans clearly loves what they do, singing along to every word, with rapture and adoration on their faces.
Pet Needs’ sound is tight and cohesive . Johnny doesn’t just sing the songs; he really tells their stories. It seems crucial to him that we hear the words, grasp the messages, and understand and feel the emotions they convey.
Each frenetic guitar riff and thunderous drum fill serves as a sonic rebellion against the mundane, leaving the audience exhilarated and hungry for more of the idiosyncratic lyrics and raw, punchy sound. Their natural, infectious exuberance and innate showmanship bring warmth and light to this freezing cold night in St Albans.
PET NEEDS played The Horn, St Albans – 29th November 2023
Support from SOVEREIGNS and GLITCHERS
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