BONA FIDE BLOG

I'm sure everyone into punk and hardcore in Sweden have heard the latest sensation GATANS LAG. I first heard them one year ago and fell in love instantly. Last night I saw them live for the first time. I went to Musikens Hus in Gotheburg with enormous expectations, but as let down. More about that later...

Walkning to the venue from my car, about 100 meters away, I saw the first sign of trouble as two guys were fighting in the street. Soon three friends dragged their peer away from a situation that could have turned ugly. Down the street, by Musikens Hus, three squad cars and one bus were lined up with policemen in the street. I expected a hostile atmosphere but when I met up with my friends outside the venue it seemed to have calmed down.

Inside it was hot as hell as UNIT LOST took the stage. I only watched a few songs as their streetpunk didn't do much for me., waiting outside again for the main attraction of the evening seemed like a better idea.

When GATANS LAG stepped on stage there were lots of people inside and up front, although a bit less than expected. Perhaps the high entrance (320 sek) was to much for some. As soon as they started playing kids started dancing and singing along. I personally was excited as well, but my excitement turned into frustration. Equipment failure continued all through their set, and momentum was lost. But what was even worse was the fact that it seemed as if they hadn't rehearsed at all, definitely the sloppiest set I have seen in a long time and a huge disappointment. Thanks to their song being as good as they are I was still able to enjoy the set to some extent. If these guys want to reclaim the spot as the best band in Sweden they will have to improve their performance on stage.