… and so, the second season of BOBI got underway! April’s gig saw a return to their spiritual home for a local unit, two more Socks On Records bands hitting Boston and another sighting of a rather unruly mob from Leeds!

Opening up the evening were Norwich scamps MICES who entertained with a set of pop-tastic Punk that had folk wistfully recalling the breezing summer days of the 90s and a certain Weezer. MICES have a laid-back sound that had smiles on faces and the beer was now flowing!

Next up a right old rumpus from LAST SEASON’S WINNERS. The Leeds louts can best be described as “if Black Flag decided to play Fugazi” what with their raging political diatribes, front man Lee accosting the audience, the angular twisting guitar wandering off on adventures over the top of pounding hardcore. Not only was their set a blazing triumph, they were handing out mini zines full of their lyrics. It’s not like you could hear the words and that … haven’t seen such a thing since the 90s and I heartily approve! A quick perusal suggests that, although musically they are very much in the Hardcore vein, lyrically LAST SEASON’S WINNERS are raging anarcho Punks! A right intense and ferocious set. Class.

TINY FOREHEAD up next and yikes, another line up change! Introducing the formidable fellow, Len Ghoul on drums and stripped back to the one guitar tonight (the new chap is in training I’m informed) it gave the front folks dual vocal trade-offs a chance to take the fore. Simon’s demented gothic incantations alongside Tilly’s wonderful soaring torch songs voice … it’s quite the concoction. With just the one guitar, the FOREHEAD seemed a little less loose but this allowed the catchy choruses to step up to centre stage, with new song “Be My Plane Crash” sitting alongside the established hits, including a certain pesky lycanthrope anthem.

Top of the bill then were the marvellous DAS KAPITANS. making their BOBI debut and sounding absolutely smashing! A heady mix of Alt Rock, Grunge and Punk bloody Rock, a good number of folks had stuck around to check ‘em out and were treated to a raucous set of noise! Their new 10” split with MICES is apparently out now, while I’m on … Another successful BOBI gig as the second year of Boston Original Bands Initiative gets going and there’s more to come including several exciting developments! Stay tuned folks!

[Review by Marv Gadgie (Gadgie Zine)]