THE BULLET KINGS - LIVE IN WAKEFIELD

I don't review DVD's that often and in a way I am glad. They are not my favourite format to assess as one tends to get detracted by visuals rather than concentrate on the sonics which I suppose is more than obvious but still a slight niggle. Nevertheless when I get asked I do my bit and such is the case with this mix of 'live' and rehearsed recordings. The Bullet Kings are a band I hold in high esteem and am more than familiar with them 'in the flesh' (non-sexual of course). I have yet to be disappointed by what I've witnessed at the numerous gigs I have seen them play and so I expected a good viewing here. Hopefully this effort will help push them along a little and get them a few more outings which, to be honest, aren't frequent enough (are ye listening promoters).

We begin here with the 'live' set which was recorded at that good old venue The Snooty Fox in Wakefield. The guys at The Fox have been knocking out vids for bands for a for while now and they do a grand job indeed. The sonics are spot on and the clarity equally sharp with my only gripe the camera that seemingly suffers from bouts of St Vitus Dance and fails to settle in any position for any length of time. It is quite distracting and does get on ones tits if one has a nervous disposition (just like me) but it shouldn't deflect from what is a well compiled effort. The Bullet Kings do their stuff here with the usual set pumped out with vigour and full of big drum cracks and meaty riffs. All 3 players are comfortable in each others company and this is reflected in the liquidity of the output and so the DVD thrives as a result and fans will lap it up. The usual fare is given with 'Terror Holiday', 'My Country' and 'Meltdown' outstanding and the rest just darn bloody good. As I say why this band don't get bigger and better gigs is beyond me so before the crew fatter get em' booked. 

The 3 rehearsed and organised videos are very good indeed with the latter effort 'Raise Your Glass For England' the least favourite of mine due to it being a corny effort done as a request and for a bunch of cunts who apparently are adored by many and profess to be something they ain't (footballers). It is just a bit of fun if the truth be known and for the given style it is as good as anything out there. I fuckin' hate football tributes though so struggle with this but if you are into that kind of thing you'll most probably enjoy this. Next World Cup watch out for my own release 'Bare Your Ass For England' a classic (and there won't be a grinning twat in mine playing a shovel ha, ha)! Go on big boy!

'My Country' and 'Godforsaken Town' are the other two bonus vids and both are rock solid. The latter is shot in nuclear monochrome style with the fast buzzsaw pace working ideally alongside the apocalyptic industrial visions that pour our way. The former song is yet again shot in atmospheric black and white and with a song as good as this it comes out superbly. The combination of band playing in a warehouse and the subtle overlay of a worn down landscape provides interesting viewing and it has to be full marks all round for a DIY effort of the highest order.

The outcome - well give me a reason why this DVD shouldn't be in your collection and I'll give you many reasons why it should.