The hectic lifestyle continues, I am currently immersed in the realm of six-legged scurriers, floral delights and all manner of natural intrigues.  After a busy weekend out in the wilds a local gig caught my eye with some stalwarts of the scene headlining.  I expected the support to be minimal, we live in times (as per) when the real DIY doofers are overlooked especially when the so-called bigger fish come to town.  With gigs aplenty here, there and everywhere, prices rising and the same old stuff still pulling the punters it does seem a trifle paradoxical that a free Sunday afternoon gig will struggle to pull any crowd.  So, with carcass aching and feeling jaded I made the effort, watched the first 2 acts play and piss off and then see Hospital Food step up and play to 5 folk, one of whom never looked up from his phone.  I gave this band their 2nd ever gig many, many moons ago, the effort to continue is admirable and surely they deserve better than this?  Alas due to the previous band over-running and a lift due I was miffed that I would have to leave early and add to the despondency.

 

The set began, 'Where's The Party' a reliable opener with good rhythm and balance and the usual HF touches.  You're Not PC' was dedicated to yours truly (fuckin' hell, I wonder why) and is a real long term treat that never gets old and still retains a relevance.  The band were in 2 piece format today but even so, they still command attention, saturate the sound and give it 100%.  I love this song, it has a good flow and took us into the next batch with great liquidity.  'Secrets ‘came, another song Nathan dedicated my way, due to the fact that I am not keen - ooh the rotten sod.  To be fair the tune was in my head the day after and it is the shabby content I find distasteful - hey it is just my way.  The song itself is a winner, really flows well and has a snagging accent that I for one was mithered by.  'Goodbye Miss World' was a better affair all round though and again, what is captured here is simplistic poppy punkery done with zeal and a sharp application.  

 

During the set I had to nip out, my missus said she would wait after I explained the shite-turn out and my conscientious need to be there.  She gave me a bonus 20 mins, I dashed back and 'Thick Rick' was sent forth with comedic joy and much to the appreciation of that fine Hospital Food fan Rick Meyrick.  A real tuneful poppet and a smile raising gem.  'Jimmy' was soon brandished, perhaps the bands most accomplished song in the mix.  A tale of war and loss and done with good emotive honesty methinks.  'Another Case For Jeremy Kyle' is perhaps a little out of date now but still works and still highlights the knucklehead society in which we live.  From here the buggers threw in 'Silly Thing' - a Sex Pistols cover that they do well and which is a fine song I remember picking up on release and marvelling at the popcorn picture sleeve.  Alas the Pistol have pissed on their own chips, are totally irrelevant and diluted to me and so I took the song with a pinch of salt - a great cover, I enjoyed it but I have more time for their bands own stuff.

 

Time was ticking, I squeezed in the last of the set, 'So Rock And Roll, and 'Small Man In A Big World' are totally splendid tracks I know better than I think, and perhaps reflective of my initial thoughts that the band deserved more than they got today.  I duly thanked the lads come the final stroke, said my farewells and darted whilst hearing the crew play an encore - by heck, you can't beat enthusiasm.

 

So, I arrived home fagged and frustrated but very much pleased by the HF output.  Mike at The Spinning Top is a gem, he supports the underdog and has a fine set-up.  We all know the script at this level - good days, bad days and really shit days but - the few watching, the band, the gaff owner all know the score and loved the whole escapade - there in is a beautiful form of success not to be overlooked or belittled.  Nathan and Robert of Hospital Food – it be magic.