Wednesday 11/08/04 Campag Velocet, Neils Children @ 100 Club, London

Neils Children, then.  We’ve written about ‘em before, and we’ll write about ‘em again. Once more rippin’ it up with their brand of classic punk rock (think Pistols, Senseless Things, Gang Of Four), front man John Linger jolts around the stage like a cross between Ian Curtis and Pete Townsend, while rhythm section Jason (drums) and James (bass) keep that simple but effective beat driving throughout tonight’s performance. Every song seems to have no more than three chords, not that it matters though, as Linger uses subtle guitar hooks and twangs to give the songs a rich and interesting sound, coupled with a thrilling vocal technique which is at times perhaps a bit Lydon (though less Sex Pistols, more early PiL). This band are good. No doubt about it.

They are not great though. They play songs from their forthcoming mini LP, ‘Change/Return/Success’, including the lyrically immature recent single ‘I Hate Models’, and the dragging ‘Come Down’. Forgive us if we’re wrong, but wasn’t classic punk about trying to change the world, a platform for the disillusioned to voice their anger at the establishment?  They say nothing to us about our lives. If only they could mature and develop their style into something slightly fresh and relevant, ala Libertines.

OK, so many will argue that this really doesn’t matter: the kids just wanna rock, and don’t get me wrong, Gigwise would rather see Neils Children than Amy Winehouse. But then again, we’d rather see McFly than that particularly horsey lovely…

Next up tonight and headlining are Campag Velocet, currently enjoying somewhat of a renaissance after 5 years away. Their new album on Pointy Records, ‘Its Beyond Our Control’, though getting relatively little airplay, has had good reviews. Pete Voss, the front man who would resemble a Spitting Image puppet of Liam Gallagher if ever there was one, takes to the stage like a builder about to start a fight, though slightly humbled by the fact he is wearing a bumbag - perhaps he has spent the day at London Zoo, possibly in one of the cages, what with all his ‘prowling’. Grrr. Did I shit myself? No, and not even a little bit came out.

The band play songs from both their new album, and their debut LP, ‘Bon Chic Bon Genre’, to much applause from their devotees. The songs are played impeccably, Lascelles Gordon and Barnaby Slater providing a groove to last single ‘Vindictive Disco’ that Reni and Mani would have been proud of. There is definitely a vibe in this famous venue tonight. The trouble is - it just seems a little sad.

The 100 Club is not the biggest venue in the world, in fact it holds only a few hundred, and yet tonight is not a sellout. The audience - though partly made up of young and trendy friends and family of Neils Children - are early thirties ex-indie ravers who, God bless ‘em, knew all the words to early tunes ‘Drencrom’ and ‘Vito Satan’; and after hearing next single ‘Who are the Trumping Men?’, it’s obvious why this band aren’t on the radio.

Campag Velocet are just not relevant. Music has moved on since Flowered Up and 'Screamadelica' - however important they think they were. The Lo-Fidelity Allstars tried and failed, so will Campag Velocet. Their music is almost a parody of baggy, like The Rutles to The Beatles, or GLC to erm… some real rappers.

It’s time to open the cage and set this tiger free.