Revolution Girl Style Now! July Show
- Written by Debbie Sheringham
Welcome to the packed to the brim, tiny sweat box that is The Leith Depot. The evening gets off to a somewhat sedentary opening with medical student, climate change and public health activist, feminist and (phew!) song writer, Eleanor Dow. What she lacks in the volume department (she's an acoustic act), she makes up for with her sobering song-writing. Particularly the final song about refugees. Her words are both touching and powerful, if you choose to listen carefully.
She, as do most if not all of the acts tonight, hone in on the political unrest in the world at the moment, as well as feminist issues, the two not being separate of course.
Unfortunately, the much anticipated Fistymuffs, who were due to be on the bill this evening, could not perform. In their place we have Fistymuff guitarist and tonight’s compare Suki Goodfellow, and Agony Ant Eve King, with some spoken word. Suki's poem about Tennent's Larger is bordering on comic genius; she really has a way of holding the audience's attention, and more importantly making them laugh. She also delivers a composition about love and immigration laws, and a ditty about Nigel Farage accompanied by her trusty ukulele.
Eve King steps up next and recites 'Shake Your Ass or Something' which is a poignant monologue about everyday sexism and beyond. Her performance is very emotive, and the stillness in the crowd is palpable. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm pretty blown away.
Time for a quick break to try and replenish the sweat we've collectively leaked out during the past 90 mins, and it's time for Agony Ant!
Agony Ant have such an endearing quality about them. Maybe it's their unpolished sound coupled with their enthusiasm of playing live in front of a crowd; well whatever it is, they seem so pleased to be here, and it's infectious. They sing nonchalantly of bread coming out of the toaster, and throw in a couple of covers, a reworked version of The 5678's 'Woo-Hoo' and Le Tigre’s 'Deceptacon', with its booming bassline. Ending their set with a musical version of 'Shake Your Ass or Something' - and hopefully, we'll never be 'ready for this jelly'…
Onto tonight’s headlining Riot Grrls - MiaouMix. Frontwoman, and Girls Rock School co-founder, Caro Marrow and her band tell us that they don't gig that often, but you would never guess, as they all seem comfortable, tight, and don't pull any punches. Songs like 'Biology' and 'Cuts' are pop-punk at its best, and although it seems like a short set, they do come back for one more tune, much to the crowds delight. Which creates another opportunity for more moshing at the front. Marrow also informs us that they are recording an LP soon, so definitely something to look forward to.
Overall a fantastic and refreshing night, and if you enjoyed then don't miss the next Revolution Girl Style Now! special Fringe edition on August 13th (bands tbc), and September 17th with Spat, the Twistettes, Fistymuffs and Playing with Punkarella. More details to follow...