12/7/2014 Duncan Reid And The Big Heads @ The Water Rats

Off to a gig that's not in Camden for a change. The Water Rats has real ale and reasonable bar prices, but even after it's recent refurb the toilets are still a bit rank. I'd still rather go there than the Barfly or Underworld though. Unfortunately I can't remember who the first band were, which is a shame as I think they were rather good.

The main reason I am here is to see Duncan Reid And The Big Heads.

This is the new band from ex-Boys bassist Duncan 'Kid' Reid. There is plenty of variety in the set, with lead vocals being swapped, and also the odd keyboard interlude.

This is only the second time I've seen this band - I was very impressed by them the first time, and they don't disappoint tonight either.

There is a definite punk rock influence - after all The Boys were at the forefront of the first wave of UK punk, but actually they play really good catchy pop songs.

With one album already under their belts and another one coming out very soon the band have plenty of songs to pick from for their setlist, and they also include a version of The Boys single 'First Time' - actually a terrific pop song. Then again, The Boys were known as 'The punk Beatles' with good reason.

Duncan Reid And The Big Heads are a cracking live band - full of energy with a great set of well crafted pop/rock tunes. Definitely one of the best bands I've seen this year.