Getting noisy with The Schizophonics!

The Schizophonics – singer/guitarist Pat Beers: pic by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The Schizophonics were back in Brighton.  This one turned out to be one of the coolest gigs you could ever want to be seen at this year so far. Indeed, with top guests Skinny Milk, it was a night to remember. Music, guitars, sweat and acrobatics we had it all at The Prince Albert 13/08/2018.

The Schizophonics

Founded in 2009, the Schizophonics plays fuzzy, psychedelic rock mixed with punked up funk. Be warned! These guys play with huge amounts of energy, passion, and acrobatics!

Singer/guitarist Pat Beers has been known to play a custom dinosaur-head Strat, which was on display at The Prince Albert! Beers was later joined by his future wife Lety (the Rosalyns), who attended high school with him in Arizona.

This outfit from San Diego smack you with fuzz rock that makes you want to dance the night away. They describe their genre as fuzz rock, psychedelic and heavy soul. On stage they seem to keep it simple, a three piece outfit and this allows Pat to do his thing at a breakneck speed whilst the other two ramp up the musical support as they juice up the overall sound and experience.

The Band

The Schizophonics brought their adrenaline fueled show to The Prince Albert in Brighton. They had Brightons own fine outfit Skinny Milk providing some excellent support!

The Set

It was a Monday night, a school night, but the venue was full. This was the third time the band had played Brighton, and the audience has grown with each visit. Not sure the Albert could have held a larger audience and Pat could seriously have done with more space. The cramped stage was Pats stage! I don’t think there was a single inch he didn’t use! It was as if he was in a glass case and using it as a stage/container for his at times wild, and always energetic guitar and dance moves. Using the invisible walls to stop himself falling off the stage or into equipment. I do want to know how he does that! And not forgetting he is hammering the hell out of his guitar and singing! Truly astonishing to witness.

The Schizophonics – singer/guitarist Pat Beers: pic by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Also huge amount of kudos to Lety Beers, the lady at the back on the kit. She also throws in some vocals and chat. She was playing those skins as if her very soul depended on it, and trust me when I tell you, you knew she was there! Some powerful fills and support as I can only imagine how tough it must be keeping the swirling husband on guitar in check!

The Schizophonics – drums/vocals Lety Beers: pic by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

And on bass guitar…. Blake Dean

Working that tight line between bass and drums was Blake Dean. Some stunning playing and interaction here, and also need eyes in the back of his head in case Pats guitar connected with him, and at those speeds it would have done some damage! They most definitely combine to prove they have the songs,the power, the rock, the funky/soul groove and they have the stamina to deliver a stunning live show.

We had a mixture of old and newer material included in the set as Pats guitar hand was just a blur as it metered out some rough treatment to the strings, all the while the other hand picking out the notes near the dinosaur head of his guitar. I thought I might have has a slap off the guitar head stock, or a whip lash from a broken string as he came ever closer, but no – thankfully no injuries! Some of the songs included Tell Me Your Name,  The One I Want, Welcome, Streets of Heaven, Make It Last and more. The show fired on all cylinders for well over an hour. The Little Richards sport an all-star lineup with The Schizophonics included, and they perform a Little Richard set, and Brighton was not left out from that as we had Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On.  This was the catalyst that sent the crowd into a moshing, party frenzy. Pat threw himself out onto the floor of the Albert for this one, the crowd split and formed a circle around him as he hit, thrashed and strummed his guitar. Amazed it was still in one piece!

The Schizophonics – singer/guitarist Pat Beers: pic by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Two encores later, with the crowd clamoring for more Pat said “Sorry guys. I have been doing this solid for the last 20 days – I am exhausted.”  I couldn’t have done what he did for 20 minutes never mind 20 days!  He had been trampolining around the stage and The Prince Albert for the full set, almost 90 minutes! The band left the stage to warm rapturous and thoroughly deserved cheers and applause. I could see so many nods to the bands and sounds that influence what they do – think Hendrix / Townsend/ Beck/ James Brown/ MC5, with some added Stooges, Beatles all mixed together and presented at the speed of sound! A truly mesmerising set, and one I will not forget for quite a while – if ever! It was fabulous to chat with the guys after their set, and Pat was so generous with his time as he stood there melting! Have a great time in France and Europe. They guarantee you a stunning live performance. Some four days after the gig people who went are still buzzing about the gig. Terrific people, a terrific band.

They have a tasty album available that captures what they do brilliantly – 10 exciting tracks. There had been delays in getting this into the UK, however in Brighton the vinyl had arrived! Grab a copy, if you can,  and make sure you see these guys when they come back!

The Schizophonics are on Facebook
The Schizophonics are on the WWW

Guests: Skinny Milk

Skinny Milk: Pic by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Skinny Milk are two musicians Johnny Hart on Bass and vocals and Tim Cox on drums. They are from Brighton and are favourites here at Scene Sussex. They are an exciting band to watch. Outside you think there is a full band playing, when you step inside its just two of them. Let me tell you they create an awesome racket. Some fine songs and also some releases of their music and the possibility of an album coming up!

These guys since I first saw them have gained in stature, power and audience sizes. They have worked hard to get to where they are and they are about to head off on tour again and will not be in Brighton again for a while. A terrific 45 minute set from these guys set the tone for the night perfectly. Well played.

Skinny Milk are on Facebook

All good things must come to an end I suppose, but this had been a true monster of a night of fuzz and rock and roll. Promoters Neil, Stay Sick and Punker Bunker,  had crafted together two top bands for a brilliant night of music and just damned fine entertainment. Also massive congrats to the sound guy, Jon. He worked hard in the hot venue to provide a crystal clear sounding performance. This was one of the coolest gigs you could ever want to be seen at this year so far, indeed it was a night to remember.

Stay Sick

Stay Sick are promoters based in Brighton. They have been around for a while now. A lot of thought had gone into the planning of this night and it was a sell out. Great night, well organised and enjoyed every guitar fuzzed second. Thank you Stay Sick.

Established in 2008, they continue to spin the best dancing music from surf to 60s, oddball R&B to filthy rock’n’roll, garage to punk 7 inches at a time. Now a Brighton institution STAY SICK has made it their mission to track down, kidnap and present you with the best bands from all over the globe.

Stay Sick are on Facebook

Punker Bunker

Punker Bunker is a fabulous record store in Brighton, Sydney Street. They also put on some great live music events across the city. This was a joint collaboration and Punker Bunker can be found 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 2018.

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