Male Bonding @ Sneaky Pete’s 24th May
There is a surreal moment during an enforced pause in Male Bonding’s set where bass player Kevin Hendrick asks the audience “What’s a Boaby?”. Much mirth ensues amongst the Finbar Saunders types in the Sneaky Pete’s audience. Confused by the response Hendrick asks if Greyfriar’s Bobby is a policeman. “Just go up to a policeman and ask him to show you his boaby” shouts someone. Looking further lost in translation, it’s the last attempt Male Bonding make at talking to their audience. But they can, at least, allow their music to do their communicating. With tracks like “Years Not Long” and “Weird Feelings” Male Bonding clearly have anthemic bursts of toothsome punk rock that can command the immersion of those watching. And, being one of the few UK bands to sign to Sub Pop, there are clearly those in lofty musical places who have been captivated by their Buzzcocks meets My Bloody Valentine meets Dinosaur Jr sound. However, tonight is a slight let down due to Hendrick and guitarist John Arthur Webb’s vocals being lost in the mix. While sonically everything else sits well, it is a disappointment that the vocals aren’t hollered out with the same delight as can be heard on excellent debut LP “Nothing Hurts”. As to whether Lothian & Borders were able to help Hendrick with his boaby enquiry we can only speculate.
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