The Coathangers - The Joker, Brighton, May 2017

Review by Keith 'Mr Teeth' Sandys

It was to be a busy night upstairs at The Joker in Brighton, as the Coathangers attracted a sold-out crowd. Their back-story reads in the same vein as legendry punks the Ramones, in that they formed without really knowing how to play. It may have started as an excuse to turn up at parties, but they’ve since grown into a formidable live act.

Initially sounding a mellow contrast to the headliners, support came from Bristol based Springbreak. It transpired they were unfortunately missing a drummer for the evening, although a stand in would have helped give more of an impact. 

The sweeping effects from the lead guitarist did well to fill the gaps, but it was a shame one of the pedals couldn’t be turned off between songs. Not that it mattered to singer/guitarist who remained full of enthusiasm, making Springbreak all worthwhile.

Garage punk rockers the Coathangers opened with 'Johnny' following their little dance-off at the side of the stage. It was then one song after another in quick succession, with the girls rarely stopping for a breather.

Speaking on the 'Parasite EP' Julia explains “the EP takes you on a journey through the band’s existence”, well tonight it’s a life on the road that’s fast and furious.  The majority of lead vocals are shared between guitarist Julia Kugel and drummer Stephanie Luke, while Meredith Franco provides the bass-lines and backing vocals.

This was only a couple of days into their UK tour, with further dates booked across Europe and already the Coathangers are out to party.  Following an extended version of 'Aderall' shots were downed before some fun instrument swapping. 
Stephanie (aka Rusty) added a bit of surf guitar to 'Shut up' while for 'Cheap Cheap' she was on her knees centre stage, with the mic in her hand.

The indie-hooks of 'Squeeky Tiki' ended the set before the ladies were back to their original spots, for a brief encore in 'Hurricane'. It may have been like any other Saturday night downstairs at the Joker, but up above 3 young punks from Atlanta USA made a sweaty room very happy… now, where did I hang my coat?
 

The Coathangers new EP 'Parasite' is due out on June 30th via Suicide Squeeze, and you can catch them on the rest of the tour on the following dates:

May 17 UK London Oslo
May 18 UK Hastings The Printworks
May 19 UK Leicester The Cookie
May 20 UK Leeds Gold Sounds @ Brudenell Social
May 21 UK Sheffield The Harley
May 23 UK Ramsgate Music Hall
May 24 BE Gent PSYCH OVER 9000
May 25 NL Eindhoven Stroomhuisje
May 26 NL Rotterdam Girls Go Boom Night @ Roodkapje
May 27 NL Amsterdam Pacific Park
May 28 NL Utrecht dB's
May 30 DE Hamburg Molotow
May 31 DE Berlin Cassiopeia
Jun 1 DE Munich Orangehouse
Jun 2 DE Cologne MTC
Jun 3 FR Paris Le Batofar
Jun 4 IT Ravenna Beaches Brew Festival
Jun 8 FR Clermont Ferrand Le Barraka
Jun 9 FR Nimes This is not a Love Song
Jun 10 FI Helsinki Sideways Festival