Live: Exciting punk outfit Snayx play Newcastle

Mondays are for thundering punk outfits and this particular one was for South East punk rock trio Snayx and Scottish band Soapbox. No regrets!

“We are Soapbox and we are from Glasgow. We are Soapbox and we are from Glasgow. We are Soapbox and we are from Glasgow.” This young erratic quartet made sure we wouldn’t forget their name nor where they’re from, although their live set already pretty much made sure of that. It took me a few songs to warm up to their seemingly generic punk sound, but throughout they proved they’d made good on their promise to warm up the crowd for Snayx.

The Scottish outfit stomped around the stage making the entire venue shake at its core and with their lyrics made sure everyone was to scream along. Bouncing like myself after the fourth espresso of the day, Soapbox’ frontman sweated it all out and gave Newcastle a show to remember! Their drummer seemed unfazed by the ridiculously fast tempo of their repertoire, a talent in its own right. Add a singer and guitarist that joined the audience in their pit and you have a fantastic live show, although I was sceptical after the first song, after 30 minutes I was sold.

When it comes to fast rising grassroots punk bands, Snayx are the most exciting one on the circuit at the moment. Their highly energetic, melodic and political punk does not beat around the bush and focuses on inclusivity and a general dissatisfaction with the way the world is run. Powerful anthem ‘Boys In Blue’ got me hooked to the thundering trio, when I first heard it at one of Stockton’s all-dayers. Of course they played it to their eager Newcastle crowd, to my satisfaction and that of all others in attendance. ‘I’m Deranged’, ‘Sink Or Swim’ and a brand new track were all very warmly received by the band’s audience.

Snayx brought another unapologetic live show that leaves no time for everyday worries, and the audience they attract with their honest punk rock is a pleasant one to be around. Band and crowd fed off each other, with many a mosh pit and crowd interaction that made every single one of their fans feel like they were the only ones there that night. A band could be made up of brilliant musicians, but if they aren’t in a two-way relationship with their fans, the live experience doesn’t match the music. Snayx clearly know this and made sure it wouldn’t be an issue for them!

Despite a commendable mention of fantastic charity Safe Gigs For Women, the band still performed a venue in which many women do not feel safe due to the promotions company affiliated with it. However, Snayx brought a welcoming audience which made for an incredibly pleasant night overall!