By Rob Jones
Kirk Brandon has been at the forefront of iconic alternative bands such as Theatre of Hate and Spear of Destiny as well as side projects such as the Dead Men Walking super group (which has also featured the likes of Glen Matlock, Slim Jim Phantom, Captain Sensible and Mike Peters).
Brandon has reunited with original Theatre of Hate members Stan Stammers and John ‘Boy’ Lennard and alongside Adrian Portas and Danny Farrant the band is back in business.
New material plus classics including: Legion, Do You Believe In The Westworld?, Original Sin and Rebel Without A Brain have proved to be popular on the live circuit over the last several years. Brandon leads the lustre
and as a live entity his shows always guarantee an intensity that never offers anything less than 100% endeavour for those loyal die hard fans
Spizzenergi a.k.a. Athletico Spizz 80, Spizz Oil, The Spizzles et al crown Spizz as the chameleon king. Famed for the 1979 gem Where’s Captain Kirk-there is more to explore! Athletico Spizz 80 entered the Top 10 with the 1980 LP Do a Runner and this work is the beacon of a multi-faceted CV. Environmental/political and futuristic commentary joins 60’s sci-fi psychedelia and 70’s lo-fi post punk. This pertinent package still sounds eerily excellent! Next up was Spikey Dream Flowers under The Spizzles tag and it’s a polished production with an expansive sound e.g. Central Park. The lyrics debate topics: Alienation, fear, robots, supermodels, more Star Trek, the Dangers of Living and it’s a whiz from Spizz!
Where’s captain Kirk?-The very best of Spizz (Cherry Red) also features some highs from a true trooper!
Theatre of Hate and Spizzenergi play Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff on Wednesday, December 2, 7.30pm. Tickets are £18.70 (plus a booking fee).For details call clwb.net or call 02920 232199.
