30/4/2008 The Duel @ Punk

Subject	The Duel @ Punk
PostedDate	4/30/2008
	A bit of an odd one this - an actual punk band playing at the very ironically named Punk club in Soho!  The band in question are The Dual. The last time I was at this venue it was called Pop. It's been redecorated since but is still pretty much the same - one of the least 'punk' venues imaginable and usually more of a celeb hangout. No celeb would be seen dead in here tonight fortunately. They have installed a modest stage since my last visit, but the bar is still crap - in fact it's even worse tonight as none of the four draught beer taps are working.  There are some other bands I've never heard of playing before The Dual - nothing to get too excited about from the little I see. The Dual have brought their own crowd with them - the sort of people who the venue's security guys wouldn't normally let past the door. This is very much an old school 1977 style punk band - from before punk became a stale studded leather jacket and mohican cliche - when punk was actually about being an individual instead of wearing a uniform. New guitar recruit Dave Renegade is more of a rock 'n' roller though. Unfortunately, both guitars are inaudible so it's impossible to tell how well his style fits in. Even though the guitars can't be heard, the band seem a bit better than last time I saw them. They still sound a bit under-rehearsed though, which is odd considering they have just got back from playing a few dates in Europe. Tara the singer is quite lively and enthusiastic, and guitarist Dave seems to be enjoying himself, but the rest of the band just don't seem that bothered - maybe they are still tired after getting back from Europe? I'll have to see the band at another gig when I can actually hear the guitars before passing judgement...