Friday 12th November: one week since Essex Psych Rock band Grungers let their self-titled album 'loose into the cosmos', the band hit London's iconic basement venue the Hope & Anchor for their debut show. This room has seen the likes of Joy Division and punk legends The Stranglers tear down the roof but tonight the stage is held for a band that bring a melting pot of psychedelic grunge, and it did not disappoint.

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Dimly lit with that clammy but nostalgic underground vibe, the atmosphere was one only a crowd of post-pandemic, gig neglected music lovers could create. The room filled quickly with fans itching for those amps to roar and bring back the buzz of live music again. Grungers opening support was brought to us by Southend-on-sea trio Square Wave, who warmed up the room with their ethereal shoe-gaze sound. Their Amazing Radio winning single 'Luvy Duvy' caught the attention of the crowd along with a showcase of dream-like new music.

 

Next up Brighton band My-Hi brought an electric energy with their Rage Against The Machine-esque rock. With barely a t-shirt between them, frontman Dan Veal delivered some epic vocals and the band gave us a high energy set brimming with character. 'Shiver' was a standout track reminiscent of an Audioslave banger, setting the tone for the main event.

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With just enough time for a packed out room to refill their beers and edge to the front, Grungers tear into their set with a massive opening track 'The Survivor'.

"You think you're ready. But you're not." - the first words from frontman Matt Hookings were as apt as it gets, capturing the spirit perfectly of their eagerly anticipated debut show. There's no doubt Grungers belong on this stage; bringing a slick-ness and musicality you'd expect from a band gigging for decades or longer. Within 20 seconds the first chorus erupts and Grungers fans were given everything they came to see: a stately vocal as bold as Josh Homme, roaring guitars and a driving 'four to the floor' drumbeat that awakened everyone's senses. As openers go, this one went down in true rockstar style.

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The set kicks off and Hookings' stage presence has a cool confidence about it as though this is his stomping ground. With Rickenbacker in hand, 'Sinner's Rights' rings out with the type of moody guitar sound you'd associate with the iconic BRMC. A sound that wouldn't be so distinct without the other half of Grungers duo 'Killa' weaving guitar lines around the melody for that undercurrent of cool. It's gutsy rock n roll with a hook that the audience are compelled to sing back. As the set roars on, Grungers don't hold back with their trio of guitars and a bassist shredding melodies like a lead guitarist himself. The sound is big. 'Clothesline' comes next,

"And yeah you wanted to be someone else. Yeah you swore you'd never be this self, but yet you are"

Amongst the sludgy guitar riffs are some angst-filled lyrics, introspective and non-conforming like a Sound Garden and Nirvana love-child. Biblical stuff.

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Charging on with another standout track from the album, 'Black Sludge' captivates the audience with an air of dark fantasy. This song has an intensity and rawness to it: "I'm going out on my own terms. Away from all the words you force in my mouth". What felt like a middle finger to the universe was also a meeting of minds with the fans. A 'we're in it together' moment. Everyone was on board as they threw in their hit single 'Straighty 180' and got the buzzing crowd singing along with every word. Is there a greater moment than a song that connects the entire room?! 

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The set drew to a close with, in my opinion, the most impressive song of the night: 'Pushin Me Down'. This is where Grungers really stand out in their songwriting prowess. Fans of Pink Floyd would agree that this tune, with it's epic three minute prog-rock outro, reverberated around the room with enough space to get lost in. I sensed the crowd were rooted in the music, indulging in the transcendent sounds that could've lasted all night. But there was no time for that. 'Drink The Worm' had to have it's moment. Front-row fans could barely contain themselves, heads weaving in and out of sight as they moshed to the psychedelic sound of Grungers. It was an electric finale that hinted at bigger things to come for this band. 

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Grungers Hope & Anchor Set List 12/11/21:

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1. The Survivor

2. Air Raid

3. Beggars Belief

4. Sinner's Rights

5. Clothesline

6. Black Sludge

7. Light Me Up

8. Straighty 180

9. Pushin Me Down

10. Drink The Worm

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