Abattoir Blues @ Liverpool Music Week, 2 Nov

Brighton noiseniks Abattoir Blues check into the Arts Club Loft for a night of feedback and fun

Live Review by Lorna Gray | 07 Nov 2016

It’s still early, and the scattered crowd are clearly not prepared for Queen Zee and the Sasstones. Donning a skirt and bra, Queen Zee himself shouts lyrics about LGBT rights, spits water and smashes cymbals together, keenly demonstrating true dedication to his punk persona. As loud, fuzzy guitars are met with crashes of drums, The Skinny ponders whether it was a mistake to put this trio on first; anybody would be wary of following them.

Thankfully, five-piece indie band Indigo Moon step up to the plate and although they struggle to match Queen Zee's energy, their polar-opposite song structures definitely match the standard – band members swish their hair about, suiting the 70s-style guitars and rich, bluesy jazz tones from lead singer Ashley, which completely steals the show.

Loud three-piece Elevant follow, and the crowd laps up their performance, with feedback-filled screeches of guitar followed by deep, dark riffs and melodic vocals. A rousing finale features lead singer Michael taking off his shirt and throwing it into the crowd – a band full of energy and enthusiasm.

Abattoir Blues headline this showcase of breakout artists, and although the crowd is disappointingly small – most likely due to original headliners Kagoule pulling out – the Brighton band still storm through a set of gritty garage rock and post-punk rhythms. Rough and gravelly vocals compliment the grungy guitars perfectly; although not many are here to witness it, the band’s second visit to the city is met with a warm reception from the humble crowd.