Meeting up with Anonymous Tip before gigs has become something of a habit. The numerous times I've seen TIP perform, I've always arrived at the venue anything up to an hour before their set. Two reasons for this, firstly I get to talk to either, or hopefully all but maybe not at the same time, Adrian, Sanj, Simon and Taran about news they may wishes to impart - latest gigs, recordings, band sessions, new material etc. Secondly, the venue which they play is almost certainly going to be in pub! Therefore a pint of beer (real ale ONLY!) is required to whet the whistle prior to the performance. This evening TIP were being supported by DOIN' TIME and BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT. Two excellent bands (Local bands I presume, though will have to check this out!) who lit the torch to which TIP carried boldly into the night!
Anonymous Tip descended upon the stage at roughly 10pm and launched into their high octane set. When I first arrived at the venue I got talking to Taran, and asked him if he knew of the track list they were going to perform. He had a rough idea of what the band was going to play, whereupon I frantically started to jot down notes. He stated that the first three songs ( SLAP HAPPY BAPPY, HAYSTACK OF NEEDLES and SPACE FLUID) would generally be the same songs that would open any TIP gig. Then after these selections the band would play any songs in kind of anything goes way. Taran's information was back up when I spoke to Sanj who confirmed how TIP usually opened their sets. Most of the songs were going to short and sweet, so a dozen or so where therorictally penciled in.
The band played in front of a near packed venue. Two of the band members of DOIN' TIME were at the front of the crowd and were cheering on TIP before, during and after every song. The crowd were whipped up by TIP's front man Sanj, who has a stage present that is almost hypnotic as it is enchanting. The power at which he can deliver the required dynamics for any given song is outstanding and then the ease at which he can, between songs, suddenly switched and casually chat to the crowd as if they were all one big family was a nice touch. To see the interaction between lead singer and audience makes the occasion more special, you get to feel part of the tour de TIP (as it were). Guitarist Adrian delivered pound for pound, a raw adrenaline rush when playing guitar riffs. His performance really shone through, the cutting edge of the riffs added substance to the punk charge of Sanj. And when the time was right, we would really let rip, body thrust forward, eyes staring wildly at the heavens, and rocking as hard as he could! Simon provided a solid, deep, booming bass sound to generate the earth moving vibe with which TIP were carried on! A wall of noise ready to crash down up the ground and create a huge dust cloud of sound! All this was working in unison with one vital ingredient constantly being added. Taran providing the ear bashing beat on the drums. A true back bone of the band, the powerhouse behind the drum kit!
The set itself nothing short of mesmerizing, the band played a number of new tracks taken from their forth coming second album. Tracks such as HAYSTACK OF NEEDLES, INDIGO GIRL, WORLD OF ONE nearly blew the roof off the Peel, again the pure Punk blood of the band was their for all to see! The band wove in a number of improv moments, a firm favourite being the theme tune from KNIGHT RIDER. That one will always remain firm ensconced into my pysche, Sanj screaming down the mic Ba-bada-ba, ba-bada-ba ba da!!! A cover of AC/DC BACK IN BLACK went down a storm with the crowd! TIP nailed that particular song to perfection! GREETINGS FROM WASTELAND favourites such as SLAP HAPPY BAPPY, (which opened the set), SPACE FLUID and LEMON JUICE ON MY NIPPLES were greeted with a red hot reception from the crowd. The final song of the night when to BIG BROWN BEAR. This is an absolute must at any TIP gig. The crowd were total gripped by the singalong chrous! Altogether now whoa-oo, whoa-oo, whoa-oo, whoa-oo!!
Every gig I've seen TIP play they've been nothing short Awesome! I have to confesss that prior to tonight's performance I hadn't heard any new material, but as my ears will testify (they are still ringing and its 3pm the following day - 5th August - My birthday!!!), the new tracks are ace! It was as the Aussie would say A Rip Snorter of a gig! TIP were if anything professional in their approach tonight - expect when Sanj chased Adrian around the venue asking for sex?!?!?! Ooo eerrr! TIP rule the roost, and I for one can't wait for the new album to be released. It's gonna be good, it gonna be goooooooooooooood!