Wooden Soldiers explode into action

Over the past few months The Wooden Soldiers have been frantically advertising their debut gig at Preston’s 12 Bar, and after all the hype they did not disappoint.

Frontman Andy Lewis had promised a barrage of noisy, punch-line pop music, and all the talk bagged the band a headline slot performing with The Clones to kick off their assault on Preston’s music scene.

The Clones set contained all the usual favourites that are fast becoming local anthem, as well as Don’t Wanna Go, which was recorded last month but reeled back in from the public domain due to technical reasons. The song is based on The Clash’s trademark stop-start, jumpy bassline, not dissimilar to London Calling, but built around a short, neat almost heavy metal riff.

Snappy exchanges

Having been absent from the local scene for a good few weeks, the lack of performing had clearly taken its toll as the band looks somewhat disjointed and uneasy, having problems in-between songs and snappy exchanges between singer and drummer.

The Wooden Soldiers took to the stage later than expected at around half ten, looking mothing like a band about to play their first ever gig. Andy Lewis, by no means overbearing in reality, looks positively huge onstage displaying an honest confidence usually present in seasoned performers.

The set delivered seven energetic and spirited songs, including
names such as Black Dogs, Once A Fortnight and the Hendix inspired June 24.

Aggressive technique

The big endings were immediately noticeable tagged on to the back of every song, proving to be over the top in some cases but still emphasising drummer Gareth Jones’ extensive capabilities with his frantic, aggressive technique turning the drums into alead instrument rather than backing.

Set highlight was Little Hitler, with a bassline distantly related to the Pixies’ Box Car Racer and a chorus claiming ‘If only Hitler were alive he’d be shouting…’ followed by an undecipherable rock and roll yell.

Given the hype surrounding the event The Wooden Soldiers failed to blow any minds but set a good standard to build on. The band also looked restricted by the comfortably small 12 Bar stage - expect a more riotous evening at The Mill on July 31st.

1. Black Dogs
2. The Late Show
3. Once A Fortnight
4. June 24
5. This Explains The Bloodstains
6. If You’re Not With Us You’re Against Us
7. Little Hitler

Written by Dan Jeoffroy

Photography: Dan Jeoffroy