Punk rock, but not as we know it. The future of rock n roll always smacks you square in the face when you least expect it. No prior knowledge whatsoever of John E Vistic but I am instantly grabbed in a chokehold by this provocative, shit-kicking set. They are hard to classify without straying away from the sheer fun of their output. Simply put, with a solid rocking rhythm section, bare-knuckle guitar lines, ear screeching saxophone solos and a frontman who can put any room in the palm of his hands, stop what you are doing and seek out John E Vistic and have a better life for it.

Hitting the stage to a rapturous crowd of varying ages, Mark Arm and lads waste no time and get straight down to business. Electrifying all those assembled with varied classics but also blending in and showcasing the latest release Plastic Eternity in this career-spanning set. 

In what must be their 5th decade as a touring band, still unrelenting and no sign of rust on this big fuzz machine. Particular standouts being “suck you dry” and the obligatory “touch me I’m sick”, still effortlessly making the crowd erupt like we’re stuck inside an early 90s time capsule. The mid-era stuff sounds killer too it has to be said, they certainly keep you on your toes with the array of material in their cannon.

What initially appeared to be a blown PA turned out to be a haphazard situation where the socket got pulled out of the wall. Potentially the closest we can get to seeing the lads joining their Seattle contemporaries with a set of Mudhoney Unplugged. No acoustic guitars in sight thankfully. The big muff lives to fight another day.

A real treat today in modern gig-going culture. Ethically priced tickets and merch and a band that can still deliver a stellar live show, much to the joy of this packed-out house and sea of Sub Pop t-shirts. Catch them while you can and treasure the experience.

Author: Dan Kasm