The resurgence of the Oi! scene continues and one of its most recent celebrated sons are on hand at The Globe in Cardiff to show us how it’s done. Being a Sunday night, expectancy for a good turnout was not high (given the numbers for fellow streetpunks Grade 2’s most recent Cardiff show), but I’m happy to report that the south Wales punk scene has put on its DMs and dragged itself out for the night ensuring a decent turnout – and not a bonehead in sight.
With a brand new second album in What A Fucking Nightmare to punt, they waste no time in banging out a set with wall-to-wall anthems, including favourites from 2021 debut LP Retaliation. Fuck ‘Em, Cry Your Eyes Out, Bloodsucker and Those Days are well received from a evermore unsteady sway of punks and skins – as much so as older material like Nation’s Pride, Unlawful Execution, Retaliation and Not The Only One.
The Chisel’s Callum Graham is the chestbeating frontman that all bands of this ilk need, as he passionately stalks the stage, encouraging everybody to get rise up and get involved, while the twin guitar attack of Luke Younger and Charlie Manning-Walker gives them licence to roam into pub rock territory on occasions, making for a very danceable set. As Chisel Boys brings proceedings to a close, it’s a happy crowd that departs The Globe this evening – having witnessed a band which, over time, will become as important to the Oi! scene as The Business or The Oppressed.
The Chisel, The Globe, Cardiff, Sun 18 Feb
words CHRIS ANDREWS photos BEN BRADDICK
