Street Voice UK

Monday night and I set off to Birmingham to see Los Fastidios but it came close to not happening as the rail service was in chaos! Eventually by sheer fluke I made it to the venue and headed off to the bar which pleased me as the drinks prices were reasonable for a venue.

Subside is a great venue and for all you old times this used to be the legendary Barrel Organ where I saw many bands in the eighties and early nineties. Still is a cracking venue with a great sound and friendly staff!

I met up with Elisa and Enrico of Los Fastidios and we sorted an interview which will be on line as soon as possible. Technical issues have caused a slight delay!

Soon it was time for the first band to hit the stage and a strange choice to open up for a Ska / Punk band. This local Birmingham band were a metal / hardcore crossover. Nothing original but they were pretty good. The vocalist was all over the place but was restricted by his lead to the mic. Personally I thought he’d be better off with a cordless mic!

Second band up were Angry Itch. I’d seen their name here and there but never heard anything by them! As soon as they started I was pleasantly surprised by their catchy street punk rock n roll sound. A band that I need to see more and add their releases to my music collection.

For 30 minutes Angry Itch captured the local crowd and people were soon bouncing about. I don’t blame them. I’d have gotten up myself but sadly I’d trodden on a plug earlier which left me in agony for the rest of the night!

If you’ve not heard Angry Itch before so check them out. They’re on of the best bands to come out of Birmingham in a long time!

Soon it was time for Los Fastidios to hit the stage and they didn’t waste any time.

They started off with their intro and then headed into great songs such a ‘Monkeys’, ‘Toneremo Ancora’, ‘Where Are You Now?’ and ‘Radio Babylon’ and the audience were soon lapping up these punk and ska tracks.

Soon Elisa hit the stage and the band upped their game to sheer perfection.

For a Monday night seeing this Italian band was an amazing experience. I can’t believe this was the first time I’d seen Los Fastidios as Trev Hagl had introduced me to the band’s music in the mid-90’s.

Sadly I had to miss a third of their set as the train service was getting worse but I was left buzzing from experiencing this great band live for the first time!

Its fair to say Los Fastidios are the best band I’ve seen this year!

Catch them on tour near you!

Words / Photos: Kat Riot