UGLY KID JOE | LIVE REVIEW
The Globe, Cardiff, Sun 9 Sept
Unfairly labelled as one hit wonders in the eyes of mainstream music media, California’s Ugly Kid Joe were a staple on MTV between 1992 and 1994. Their breakout hit Everything About You was one of the many tracks featured on the soundtrack to Wayne’s World, while their cover of Harry Chapin’s’ Cats In The Cradle propelled them to superstardom, for five minutes at least. A couple of critically acclaimed albums followed, but they were never able to hit those heights of the early 90s. But metalheads have never forgotten them, coming out in their droves to witness the rebirth as the band celebrate 25 years since debut album America’s Least Wanted with a sold-out show at The Globe.
It was a pleasant surprise to enter the venue early and see UKJ frontman Whitfield Crane, already on the stage with his new outfit Yellowcake. More of a straight up rock/metal affair than his other band, with a bit of stoner rock influence, they’ll be happy with their performance this evening and have won a few more fans in the process. As for Nottingham duo Haggard Cat, imagine if The White Stripes were more heavy metal and were fronted by Ted Nugent. Using everything in their arsenal to win over the crowd with an energetic performance worthy of a bigger stage, singer Matt Reynolds even declares he’s “not the devil, [he’s] a motherfucking god.”
Bounding onstage to America’s… opening song Neighbor, which Ugly Kid Joe follow with Madman, Crane defies his years, whipping the Cardiff crowd into a frenzy. Come Tomorrow sees proceedings slow down slightly, but even then Crane insists on sway-with-hands-in-the-air crowd participation. That stereotypical Californian beach bum surfer vibe was part of UKJ’s charm back in the day, and they play up to it at times, Crane getting the crowd to vote for the band’s worst guitarist. But that’s all part of the fun.
So Damn Cool kicks it back up a notch before the aforementioned Chapin cover gets the entire room singing along. Pogoing is the order of the day as the band thunder through I’m Alright; guitarist Klaus Eichstadt takes centre stage for Mr Recordman followed by another singalong, the poignant Busy Bee. Crane displays metal chops on Goddamn Devil and a cover of Motörhead’s Ace Of Spades. Rather than leave the stage, the band have some banter with the crowd before finishing with – of course – Everything About You. Seemingly genuinely delighted with the Cardiff crowd tonight, and much more than a nostalgia band, I for one am glad to see Ugly Kid Joe back together.
words CHRIS ANDREWS