Simon Rushworth
Newcastle The Cluny, September 22 2013
Having played the Cluny little over six months ago, and delivering a real standout performance, it was perhaps a little disappointing to see audience numbers dropping, despite the rise of the band in this time. Part of the problem for this could well have been the lack of promotion the show received, with the only push appearing to come from the band themselves in the form of social media.
Yet few fans was no barrier to one of the hardest working young punk bands on the scene as they delivered a thoroughly passionate and professional performance to the loyal punters present.
Taking to the road to promote their new single, which will feature on their second album due for release in 2014, the band played a number of fresh songs during their hour long set.
New tunes aside – and they went down well – the real reason the die-hards turned out was to hear the tunes they knew and loved from the band’s debut album, Death. It really is a sight to behold at an up and coming band’s show when fans off all ages are singing out the words of almost every track on the album. That’s exactly what happened here.
The response to England’s Dead, Wishing Well, Warriors and New Natives was magnificent, with the band producing a dynamic performance on stage as they tried to get the place going.
As the lights went down and the exit doors opened very few left, with the majority hanging around, waiting to get a picture with their new heroes and throwing money at the merchandise stand in the process.
Just like their label mate, Frank Turner, who they are opening for at this weekend’s Cut The Transmission Festival in Derry, Northern Ireland, JL&TSS will not make it overnight. Hard work and persistence will get them noticed, as these boys really do have the ability to make waves.
Adam Keys