Rocket From The Crypt at the Button Factory on 7 December 2013

Rocket From The Crypt at The Button Factory on 7th December 2013

Another Christmas, another run of comeback tours. Every year we see the same thing; bands get back together and hit the nostalgia circuit in search of one last pay day. While no one could ever accuse recently reformed punk cult heroes Rocket from the Crypt of cashing in, Saturday night’s performance at the Button Factory still left a lot to be desired.

Things begin positively with set opener Dollar laying down an early marker. It’s a song that epitomises what this band is all about; infectious energy, bludgeoning riffs and some old school showmanship that wouldn’t look out of place in 1950’s Memphis. It’s followed by Don’t Darlene and Switch Wrists, two more cuts from their indie days. It makes for a promising opening salvo, one that puts the crowd in boisterous mood.

The impressive start gives way to a much more leaden mid-section though. Things lose direction when it becomes clear the band’s back catalogue lacks any semblance of variety. The sheer vigour and power they exude, in particular the band’s effervescent frontman John ‘Speedo’  Reis, almost makes up for the lack of diversity but it’s the cold truth that nothing distinguishes itself. It doesn’t help that the sound seems off at times. It certainly takes the oomph out of the bands horn section, a component that is absolutely vital to their sound.

Things pick up with the band stacking the run in with a flurry of hits. ‘Born in 69’ is the pick of the bunch, a ferocious blast of garage rock. On A Rope follows next, unfortunately though this, the band’s biggest hit, feels strangely weak. The songs call and response chorus in particular feeling very subdued. Whether this is a result of more sound problems or lethargy on the bands part, possibly brought on by the rigours of touring again, it’s hard to tell. Nevertheless, it goes down a threat and has the crowd in good voice. I’m Not Invisible closes out the hat-trick of crowd pleasers, another sonic assault of power riffs and gang choruses.

A two song encore, which includes the juvenile but admittedly brilliant Dick on A Dog, brings proceedings to a close. At little over an hour in length the set could be construed as a tad short but to the casual fan it was more than enough. As reunion tours go, this one may have been inspired by the best of intentions and certainly felt genuine, but authenticity aside this was still an underwhelming experience.

Rocket From The Crypt Photo Gallery

Photos: Dave Kelly