Mach Pelican, Mink Jaguar @The Espy, 27/05/2005

Sat 28th May, 2005 in Gig Reviews

I’ve seen many bands in my time, some of them brilliantly fantastic, but the vast majority are completely average. Unfortunately, Mink Jaguar didn’t really fit either description.

Having only seen them play one cover song prior to this gig, I went in without any expectations. I know they have a dedicated following out there, ranging from some high profile bands, many a journalist and a lot of fans in general. Obviously they have something which calls out the punters in drones, but I’m afraid I just didn’t hear it.

Mink Jaguar sound like typical pub rock, minus the semi-catchy songs, which is far from the “‘50’s rock n roll, ‘60’s garage stomp & bastardised cow punk” I’ve seen them described as. Perhaps they’re trying out new songs, or were just having an off night. All I could hear was a band with insanely talented musicians playing some unremarkable songs. A cover band probably would have been more adequate, at least we all know the words to Jessie’s Girl.

Aesthetically, the band left a lot to be desired. As their set began, the lack of movement on stage saw what was once a room crowded with standing onlookers pitter out to just a handful of devoted fans. Perhaps a little head-thrashing or shouts of “yeah!” accompanied by fist pumps occasionally could help incite more of a reaction. Nobody can resist a well-timed fist pump.

After having heard so much about the band, I was left quite disappointed with the performance. Whether it’s the hype outgrowing the band, or the boys just not being up to it on the night, I’ll see them again. Just to make sure.

Mach Pelican the headlining band, however were typically fantastic. Playing to one of their largest crowds in a while, they whipped everyone into a frenzy and didn’t take their (collective) foot off the accelerator. I’m of the belief that Toshi-8Beat, Atsu and K-Rock can never have a bad night. My only complaint is the dwindling amount of newer material in sets. Other than that, they’re 100% nail-on-the-head awesome.

Even a broken guitar strap mid-song couldn’t stop K-Rock from finishing up. He just swung his guitar up and kept going. This incident did provide a little relief between songs (a whole 12 seconds), allowing everyone to stop their thrashing around and regain a little composure.

Stepping away from the stage towards the end, I managed to see the entire crowd reaction to Dance In Chicago. An eruption would be the most accurate way to describe it. I guess it’s the song everybody knows.

Mach Pelican’s failure to make it big in the music industry, despite being one of the most loved, in-your-face, full throttle live bands out there, do little to disperse Ramones comparisons. Maybe, just maybe, Mach Pelican will turn out just like their fallen heroes: hit it big when it’s all just a bit too late.

Let’s hope this isn’t the case.