Tuesday 22/08/06 Nick Oliveri and The Mondo Generator, GU Medicine, Gods of Blitz @ The Underworld, London

Despite their best efforts, the awesome Gods of Blitz have a tough job getting tonight’s half full audience going. Which is a shame; the four German lads are rock revivalism at its very best, and their first UK show announces their presence like a letter bomb.  Stomping out to ‘Flash Gordon’ played at dangerously high levels, the Gods intent is clear – they are here to rock us, and rock us they will. ‘Proto Man’ and ‘In the Street’ combine killer riffs, crashing drums, and beautifully screeched vocals that’d make Iggy Pop proud. Like an early Hives or Datsuns, the guys churn out belter after belter that’d put a smile on the face of anyone looking for unadulterated, unpretentious fun. Recent single ‘The Rising’ provides momentary respite, until the anthemic chorus sneaks up and spits in your ear, with the singer, guitarist, and bassist combining to make an epic vocal sound. In a flurry of cheeky solos, long floppy hair, and endearingly clichéd broken English, the Gods wish us farewell … come back soon!

As if this reviewer’s rock-o-meter wasn’t high enough, the brilliant metalists Gu Medicine take to the stage. As ever with a quality metal outfit, the music is defined by an excellent rhythm section, drummer Pete proving his worth with complicated beats and fills. From underneath the peek of his cap, lead singer Lee’s eyes glare into the crowd psychotically - having heard him screech through monsters such as ‘Do or Die’ and ‘Occasional Drink’ with the wails of Bon Scott or Bruce Dickinson, it’s a complete shock to hear him speak in a thick, out of breath Northern accent. ‘If you want to check out more you can (cringes and reluctantly mutters) check out our ****ing Myspace. That’s not rock ‘n’ roll is it?’ – no Lee it’s really not, but well done for pointing it out. Guitarist Dale, and Bassist RyStu bounce off of each others amps, and fly all over the stage - the kids go mental. "Anyone like beer? Anyone like sex? Anyone like drugs? We’ve got a song about each one" – brilliant, all that’s good about rock ‘n’ roll. 

My Mum always told me never to trust a man with a beard. I can’t imagine what she’d say about a man with a beard of Nick Oliveri’s status, let alone a beard that is just a few feet above a pair of naked, swinging, unleashed testicles. It doesn’t take long for Mr. Oliveri to, as usual, strip off like only he knows how, exposing his pair of legendary rock pendulums to some (un)lucky revellers just inches away, pressed to the front of the stage.