Bollocks to Poverty returns to The Borderline of the nation’s capital on February 5th, sending out an S.O.S on global poverty and inequality via the medium of sound. Club nights, comedy shows, gigs; Bollocks to Poverty has dipped its hands in the proverbial melting pot of all entertainment; and they do it ruddy well to boot.
This won’t be the first time the notorious event has taken place at The Borderline, having paid host to unsigned bands and up-and-comers in September. Such was the nights success, that an array of nomads plied the Bollocks crew with letter after letter, e-mail after e-mail, and call after recurring call, in the hope of garnering a-place on the hallowed bill of the next event. Of course, only a chosen few could make it…
First-up we have The Krak, a three-piece clan with a difference; the difference being there’s no lead-singer. YEAH, I know, it’s ruddy mental! Bassist Ben, guitarist Tom, and… Claire, all have a crack on the ‘ol mic, drawing inspiration from their ménage-a-trois of influences, ranging from Bob Dylan to Cockney duo - and renowned Totten-ham fanatics - Chas and Dave.
Bethnal Green four-piece The Toy Guns, whose music “sounds like The Police being repeatedly kicked by various members of The Clash and The Specials”, have fusions of rock, punk and ska in their repertoire. The band are looking pretty god-darn steamy, having won XFM’s Uploaded comp and putting pen to paper on a subsequent record deal. Promising, I’m sure you’ll agree?
Next up, Parka are a band that need little introduction; they’re already making waves with their music and being lauded by the press as zee ‘next big thing’. The Indie lads, who hail from Glasgow-via-London, can proudly attribute themselves to a number-three single in the BBC Indie Chart. ‘Disco Dancer’ has received accolades from all corners with it’s catchy chorus; the kind that’ll see teetotallers up-and-down the country holding hands with the alky on their left, clasping a Nelson’s in their right, and bopping-forwards and backwards like a head-banging speed freak…
Finally, rounding off Bollocks to Poverty will be London-based four-piece LR Rockets. With names such as Judge, Bomb, Pie and Face you’d think the boys were straight out of the Beano… But when they launch into their mish-mash of wired-punk and pop-rock they seem to fall into their own perfectly preserved and distinct category: Schizoid! One moment you’re a Kangaroo on an Acid trip, the next you’re Lionel Blair, tap-tap-tapping away to a punchy, joyful chorus. Quite frankly, LR Rockets are a rarity…
Of course, Bollocks to Poverty will be giving all profits to Action Aid, but in exchange you get a glimpse into the future of the rock, punk and Indie scene… small price really. And who said that charity doesn’t begin at home?
Tuesday 5th February
The Borderline, Orange Yard
Off Manette Street, London,
W1D 4JB
All profits go to Action Aid
