The weather outside was frightful, but there was an altogether more enjoyable storm reigning indoors. It’s easy to overlook just how influential Discharge were. Possibly the first British hardcore band, it’s disappointing that it’s mainly the American bands who get all the plaudits and mentions when it comes to setting the blueprint for punk at the noisier end of the punk spectrum but Discharge were instrumental in inspiring a whole generation of hardcore and thrash bands.
The venue was busy with an enthusiastic and good natured crowd and Discharge didn’t disappoint. With only Royston Wainwright and Anthony Roberts on bass and guitar from the original line up the band don’t seem to have lost any of their spirit or sound, the distinctive D Beat drumming style still very much in evidence courtesy of David Caution. The line up is completed by Varukers lead singer Anthony Martin and although he has a different delivery to original singer Cal, his voice complements the overall Discharge sound.
And as for the music? It was as loud and glorious as you would expect and hope for. Songs such as Decontrol and State Violence State Control oozed forth with passion and delivered a sonic storm that kept the front half of the venue in a constant frenzy for the entire gig. Playing for around an hour, the set drew upon songs from those first few E.Ps right the way through to more recent releases.
If you prefer your punk towards the hardcore sound then you could do a lot worse than checking out Discharge who, for these ears anyway, still sound as vital and exciting as they did in the early 80’s.
Another great gig at the rather splendid Adam & Eve.
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