Punk Sunday Lunch 5: Live GIG report!

Guitar Gangsters: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

pUnK SUnDay LuNcH – Prince Albert, Brighton 8 May 2022 with Guitar Gangsters.

Three huge helpings of class tunes from three top bands with Guitar Gangsters, Emergency Bitter and Smokin Prophets. A huge meal of live music!

An Alternative Gathering did it again! Three great live bands, no more lazing on a Sunday Afternoon!

Guitar Gangsters

They have played live in 28 countries including the USA, Brazil and Malta! They have toured England with Stiff Little Fingers and toured Europe with The Lurkers, 999 and TV Smith. Guitar Gangsters have been at almost every punk festival in Europe and continue to play with the poignancy and attitude that drove them to hang their guitars around in 1987. They still play like they have to save their own ass, or at least the future of rock ‘n’ roll as we know it!

Click on image to enlarge

In 2019, the Gangsters family expanded with guitarist Ed and became a foursome in the first punk rock league. And the latest studio album “Fortune Favours The Brave” was released in February 2022.

Click on image to enlarge

Unique – what better way to describe Guitar Gangsters than by using that one word? If you have not already heard of this band, you have been deprived for far too long (or you have not been keeping up with local gig guides). The Gangsters incorporate several different styles into their sound. They’ve got a really modern tone with punk, some trashy blues rock and roll and some traditional heavier sections thrown in for good measure.

Click on image to enlarge

There’s no shortage of chunky and speedy riffs here as the guys dig back through their album catalogue. We were played a good few tracks of an extraordinary new album Fortune Favours The Brave and also an earlier album Sex and Money.

Click on image to enlarge

Pete Ley is the lead singer/guitarist for the Gangsters along with Ed Sonsino is also is responsible for the guitar work. Phil Ley plucks at the bass and pulls off some classic bass player rock stances, and Chris Benton beats the hell out of the skins. All of the playing during this set was top notch, it really was a faultless set.

Click on image to enlarge

Guitar Gangsters are really of particular interest because they manage to be quite heavy at times while still having the ability bounce around with an almost early Green Day punk sound to touch your soul on some of their songs. You’re in for an exciting and interesting listening experience if you see them play live. Some of the tracks included Turn The Tables, Going to London, Radio Shakedown and Shut Up and Get Me.

Guitar Gangsters: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

If you need a little humour to get you through, Pete was hilarious as his body clock was out of sync. How are you tonight? Err sorry, how are you this afternoon? This band will assuredly bring a smile to your face with inter band banter and with their music. When Pete and Ed go to work on their matching white Gibson SG’s a distinctive spark seems to go off. The resulting sound is breath taking.

Click on image to enlarge

Be sure to get a grip on the words that accompany the fantastic sounds, as they only enrich things, such as Fifty Dangerous Things and Fortune Favours The Brave.

Guitar Gangsters: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The songs are fast paced, the drum patterns and bass fills combine to give a heavy thrilling ride that won’t disappoint. All of the songs are a pleasure to listen to. There are no subpar outings in this set and every song stands out for its very own reason. I just wish they had squeezed in their cover of The Sound Of Silence.

Guitar Gangsters: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

You have to see Guitar Gangsters! They are slick, fast and polished and give out a damn fine racket. It was a joy to see these guys and have a chat before they head off on a massive tour. There are going to be a lot of happy audiences!

The Guitar Gangsters are on Facebook here.

Emergency Bitter

Emergency Bitter: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Emergency Bitter is a mild, unassuming bunch who got together for the love of drinking, punk rock and having a good night out. The South West London Five piece have charmed and entertained punters for the last 13 years with their brand of old school punk. Been around the block and older but not wiser.

Click on image to enlarge

Speaking to the guys after their set it was clear they are “in it” for the fun, beers and hanging out with mates doing what they all love to do. They said they thought they might be up for an Ivor Novello Award for one of the tunes played this afternoon. Brilliant. The humour and banter from these guys is top notch.

Emergency Bitter: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The songs are all fast paced, all under 2 minutes long, and were in danger of finishing early. Some 14 songs fired up in quick succession. We had a false start on an unrehearsed song, “scrap that” and we had more chat, as the man at the back tried to keep the band on track by attempting to count in the next song. This was just brilliant. It was pure punk joy mixed in with some damn fine guitar work.

Click on image to enlarge

Even if you’re not into any this genre, don’t shy away; Emergency Bitter is one of those bands that are just plain fun to listen to and watch. It only takes a few songs such as Daytime Drinking, Doris, Made in Britain, Punk Rock Saved My Life and Cider Football before they’ll have you bobbing or banging your head while you sing along with catchy choruses or some of the surprisingly meaningful verses.

Click on image to enlarge

It’s impossible not to say something positive about these guys as they know what they are doing. I think Emergency Bitter worked it all out a while ago now, they have been playing together for quite some time.  They play it really well and had the full room of The Prince Albert jumping about and, yes, having a face full of fun on a Sunday afternoon.

Click on image to enlarge

Brilliant show guys, and really enjoyed the chat in the sunshine with a beer. A damn good band, kicking out some fine punk and stuff, and made up of friendly and warm musicians.

Emergency Bitter: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Brilliant set from Emergency Bitter. Great tunes and they put a smile on everyone’s face. Thoroughly recommend you see these guys.

You can have a pint of Emergency Bitter on Facebook here.

The Smokin’ Prophets

The Smokin’ Prophets: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The Smokin’ Prophets – “Swaggering punk n roll, like a high octane blend of Hanoi Rocks style sleaze rock and the glam chops of NY Dolls.”

Click on image to enlarge

It was time for The Smokin’ Prophets to take the stage at The Albert. You would not really think this was a good fit considering the other bands on the bill, but much to my surprise, their almost classic rock punk fusional style was a truly perfect start and also acted as change of pace for what was coming for the rest of the afternoon. A great choice of opening band, and they no doubt gleaned a few more fans this afternoon.

Click on image to enlarge

A Smokin Prophets show or set is not to be taken lightly. It is heavy, intense and exhausting in a good way. It’s a performance that rewards those who have not seen these guys before and also some in the crowd who had seen them previously. They gave us a lesson in modern, innovative rock and punk. And there was lots of hair! A band to keep an eye out for. A must “go see” outfit.

Click on image to enlarge

They play a heavy but technical form of Punk/Metal with vocals that are clean and the occasional scream. There is no doubt about the technical skills of the band members, something they proved again and again throughout their short 40 minute set.

Click on image to enlarge

Musically the compositions put up this afternoon are exceptionally technical and all performed in style. The set pace, performance and instruments are tremendously precise and at times breathtakingly good. All of the songs played for us this afternoon are clearly very well rehearsed and a spotless set was delivered.

Click on image to enlarge

In case you can’t already tell, Smokin Prophets are pretty difficult to pigeonhole. They have a little something for everyone and there are very few reasons not to lend them an ear. The South Coast of the UK has another very gifted group of musicians on their hands. We can only hope to hear and see more from them! And soon please!

Click on image to enlarge

A stunning and awesome live set from The Smokin’ Prophets, they were smoking it loud!

The Smokin’ Prophets can be discovered on Facebook here.

Thanks to Guitar Gangsters

Thanks to Emergency Bitter

Thanks to The Smokin’ Prophets

Every band gave it everything for this Punk Sunday Lunch. Three new bands for Scene Sussex. Three tasty courses providing a most filling of musical banquets. Three bands we would go see again in a heartbeat.

A good punk gig atmosphere, and sound, is like, well dear reader you really do need to be there. But every band gave it their all this afternoon. They were all headliners! There was real passion in every band for the music they perform and adore. I am going to leave it there, but whether you like Punk Rock or you don’t, I can highly recommend giving one of these “Punk Rock Picnics” a try. Even if you are not one for standing in front of the stage or standing next to a speaker, you could still walk away having had a brilliant afternoon.

This really was a golden ticket event!

A Huuuge shout out to Andy C and  An Alternative Gathering

This event was the fifth Punk Sunday Lunch, and was organised by An Alternative Gathering. I will not miss the 6th lunchtime outing 12 June 2022! Cant wait.

“I can highly recommend giving one of these “Punk Sunday lunch” a try. Even if you are not one for standing in front of the stage or standing next to a speaker, you could still walk away having had a brilliant afternoon” – Ian Bourn – Scene Sussex.

Words: Ian Bourn. Photos: Ian Bourn.

Like what we do here? Give us a follow on Twitter and Instagram, and we have a Facebook page also. We work hard with the artists, the venues and the crowd to bring you the best photos and reviews across the area. Keep Music LIVE! Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.

Please note all original images / video are copyright, please do not copy. If any of the featured artists/promoters/venues want copies of the images – or more if available – please just get in touch.

All original pictures / video – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2022.

Got an event coming up? Need some gig photography, promo shots, previews or reviews? – please get in touch! See you down the front – come and say “hi!”