Antifolk UK

Many chose to spend April 17th running around the streets of London dressed as a chicken or other 'fancy dress' in the London Marathon and tucked away underneath Highbury and Islington tube in the Buffalo Bar, Anti-Folk were having a marathon of their own at the anti folk UK spring festival. By 6 o'clock the crowd had already built up ready for an evening of anti-folk.

Kicking off the night was Larry Pickleman who has in the past been described as anti folk's most offensive act played a more subdued set than usual. Being the first act on can sometimes be difficult, as you know that you will set the mood for the night but this did not faze Larry, who played a brilliant set, entertaining us with his observational songs, due to the amount of acts playing the night moved on very quickly.

The next band were my favourite of the night. Mink Troubadour Kamikaze Squadron are the kind of band that make you grin from ear to ear and make you instantly feel great about deciding to see their band play. Why not check them out, what's the worst that could happen?

If you're new to the whole anti folk concept and do not know what to expect the chances are you're imagining something along the similar to the kind of songs Kevin Twosheds sings. More folk than anti, if you know what I mean. If you want a true definition of Anti Folk, then sorry, you're not getting one. Each act brought their unique style, which altogether produced a wonderful mix of talent. It's up to you what you make of it all.

It was uncertain whether Teenbeat would turn up at the Buffalo Bar - in the past have been described as league of gentleman doing the violent femmes.

Scoring rock and roll points with me was Filthy Pedro. His straightforward songs about anything and everything strike a hit with the crowd. In some ways I feel I am cheating reviewing the second half of the night as all of my favourite bands of the moment were playing and I'm surely letting my (Utterly honest unbiased) opinion get in the way but It's hard not to like Milk Kan the cockney comedy hip hop duo thought their songs you'll find a bit Lou Reed, a bit of The Streets with a bit of Chas 'n' Dave thrown in for good measure. A Milk Kan gig is guaranteed to offer you all the elements of the perfect gig (so long as you're looking for good catchy tunes, great lyrics and a lot of laughs)

The thing about Anti Folk is that everyone is willing to have a go not being afraid to try new things and this is reflected in the Spring Festival. The first time I saw David Cronenbergs Wife they started the gig standing on a chair. Tonight Tom is sticking to the floor (not literally). The attraction of David Cronenbergs Wife for me is the theatrical element to their songs and at times the humor can be so off key that you're not sure whether it is a joke or not but the crowd seem pleased with what they are hearing.

JJ Crash has a very honest approach that hit's you the minute he takes to the stage. There is sincerity in his music that along with new harmonica player Chris provides a punkier side.

I must admit that by the time Angels Fight the City came on for their acoustic set my attention was a little less concentrated than it had been previously as I began to grow tired, after a long day (and probably quite a lot of vodka) which was disappointing as I had been looking forward to seeing Angels Fight the City for some time. My attention soon returned when they started auctioning records…I got the Human League for £1!

Unfortunately that saw the end of this seasons anti folk festival and with my purchase under my belt it was time to make my weary way home. The Spring Festival being a success that has left me waiting for the next. Rumour has it there are going to be two this summer.