Live At The 100 Club
Fullertone, 2019
9/10
Listen to Live At The 100 Club
Recorded in August 2018 at the legendary London 100 Club, Professor And The Madman bring their all-star ensemble of Alfie Agnew, Sean Elliott, Paul Gray and Rat Scabies to the famed venue with a bristling set of tunes that span their 3 studio albums, as well as some welcomed surprises.
“Peace Bombs” starts the listen with a rowdy display of thundering punk rock energy with melodic undertones, and “Nuclear Boy” follows with bouncy bass lines and fun guitar work in the anthemic cover.
Elsewhere, “Dearest Foe” recruits some psyche-rock influences in the frenzied energy, while “Faces” illustrates proficient ‘70s nods in the retro stabs that are all over the record.
Deeper into the set, “Space Walrus” brings us subtle post-punk moments, and “Demented Love Song” proves that these punk vets aren’t opposed to rockabilly, too. “Electroconvulsive Therapy” ends the listen with a sonically loud and boisterous exit, which illustrates the strong musicianship and versatile approach that is Professor And The Madman.
With half the band living in The States and half in the UK, this was a rare chance to see the band without stand in musicians and together their collective skill (ex-members of The Damned, Eddie And The Hotrods and The Adolescents populate PATM), shines with a rare chemistry that makes this listen not only a must for fans, but a decent starting point for the new listeners, too.
Travels well with: D.I.- State Of Shock; Social Distortion- Mommy’s Little Monster