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Elly Roberts reviews

CD: Smash It Up (Anthology 1976-1987) The moment Captain Sensible (right) hit the stage, you knew it was going to be one of those nights. Entering to the sound of 1920’s strip music, the madcap guitarist set the place alight in his inimitable style. He instantly wound up the devotees who still worship the band after almost 30 years. Dressed in typical caveman gear, he brought on his troops to ecstatic cheers. On came chameleon like vocalist Dave Vanian (middle-right) and three relatively new members, including stand-in bassist Stuart West. This band are full of contradictions – for starters, Captain Sensible (Ray Burns) is as nutty as they come. Secondly, if they’re a Punk band, then I’ll be damned.

Tagged as the original Punk rockers of the UK, they gradually evolved into a different beast. Not having enough attitude to be real Punks, and then came the Sex Pistols to steal their thunder. This band was much classier and far more sophisticated than the Pistols, and it showed with their recent gig at Central Station in Wrexham. They romped through their reactionary Pop be Damned 2004 whirlwind set in just over 1hr 50mins. Better known for their stage antics, which have often overshadowed their ability, they impressed everyone. Few bands in the world could relate to an audience like they do. The formidable pairing of Vanian and the Captain are riveting performers, both visually and technically.

Captain (right with Vanian) goofs around while playing some great guitar riffs and leads. Vanian moves around the stage like a whippet, engaging the crowd with every song. Behind the showmanship, he’s got a rich voice, but the volume often hid the lyrics. The rhythm section was really tight, with Rat Scabies’ replacement on drums – Pich steering the ship. It’s not my kind of music, but their work ethic is fantastic. Best songs were Anti Pope, the funky Under The Floor and the final song Smash It Up. They may well have lost their Punk ethos years ago, but they still retain its sensibilities. They’re great fun on stage, the fans loved them. And funnily enough, so did I.

Review & pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004.

DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TXW32R4 32" widescreen TV connected to either a Creative Dxr2 DVD-ROM player or Microsoft Xbox and played through a Sony STR-DB930 amplifier.

PC games reviewed by the editor are on: