GiggingNI.com

The Luchagors

With The Dangerfields; Gacy's Threads;

Wednesday in Auntie Annies, and the people began piling it to catch a glimpse of Amy Dumas, a.k.a. ex WWE wrestler Lita. She was standing at the merc stand, being swamped by both music and wrestling fans who had came, not only to see her perform with her band The Luchagors, but to bear witness to an all round fantastic line up of great local bands.

First up on stage was Gacys Threads, though to call them the 'warm up' act was definitely an understatement. These guys tore the place apart. Their thick heavy riffs vibrated through you as vocals glide over the top. Even with Aaron nursing a broken foot, the energy that was brought to the stage that Wednesday night was electric, and it's no wonder they've collected such a large following. This band ticked all the boxes for an unbelievable show - quick humor, energy, and down and dirty tunes - no doubt they'll be expecting an even bigger crowd at their EP Launch at Spring and Airbrake.

They exited the stage, leaving the crowd to compose themselves, awaiting The Dangerfields, playing their first show since November 2008. This three-piece had already made a name for themselves around the local scene, and as even more beer was being guzzled, the band finally set foot on stage, to get the audience fired up for the headline act. This was almost like a comeback for Dangerfields, and after what seemed like a shaky start, they soon went to work on silencing a lot of critics from last year with a memorable set full of good songs with great hooks. Perhaps a bit too much emphasis on being 'Rock and Roll', but that's what they were all about. Upstairs by now was getting quite crowded, and they were getting the support they deserved. I couldn't even resist having a boogie as Andrew beat his drums like there was no tomorrow. Gacy's Threads got the crowd going, and Dangerfields were getting them excited. It was worrying that by the time The Luchagors started chucking out their tunes the crowd might combust with excitement. Everyone appeared to be on their feet, ushering closer to the front as Dangerfields just seemed to be getting tighter and better. The band left on a high, leaving the pathway clear for the The Luchagors.

Amy and her crew took to the stage, and immediately set work on creating a fantastic end to an already electric night. Any one who doubted her ability to front a punk band was swiftly proved wrong. Powered by chants of 'Hey ho, Let's go!', music and wrestling fans alike were bouncing about, completely infatuated by the presence this front woman exuded. For some reason, some folk in the corner thought it would be hilarious to hurl a few offensive chants towards Amy's direction. Why anyone would want to do so to a former wrestler isn't quite clear, but her witty and outspoken comeback was absolutely genius, and proved that the band not only had the sound and the force of a punk rock band, but also the wit. It wasn't only Amy who you couldn't take your eyes off. Racci on drums was tantalising to watch, combined with Jay's banging baselines, and Shane's impeccable guitar playing, you really didn't know whether to watch, or to jump about like a madman. Sounding quite similar to The Distillers, yet managing to keep their own flare to this style of music, The Luchagors definitely left their seal of approval on the crowd. Not only good musicians, but great to have a drink with, just, all round nice guys. Finishing a stimulating set with some of their more recognised songs like 'White Boy', they left the stage, allowing the audience to calm themselves before setting foot back in the outside world.

An unbelievable night of good times and great music.