Razur Cuts
Saturday finally saw the launch of Razur Cuts V and the culmination of muckle hard work by Derek Steel. The latest edition of the cutting edge street literature magazine was promising to be a cracker. The biggest issue to date at 80 pages including an exclusive interview with The Stranglers powerhouse bassist JJ Burnell.
Such an issue was deserving of a bells and whistles launch and Derek and his team pulled out all the stops to make the launch go with a bang, putting on what can only be described as an extravaganza in Falkirk venue Behind the Wall.
Launch at Behindthewall, Falkirk
The day kicked off at 4pm. It was a celebration of music, spoken word and stand up from across the UK.
Unfortunately I could only make it for part of the celebrations. When I arrived at the venue the party was already in full swing and even at this relatively early hour I could see the night was a great success.
The Music
I arrived as Bladdered were finishing their set of punk classics and grabbed my pint of Soda and Lime (note to self: next one of these – don’t bring the car and join the party). At the Edge was in full flow and was followed up by some Dead Kennedy’s and The Damned’s Disco Man.
The rest of the music I saw that evening was of supreme quality. It also ticked a few boxes of bands I’ve been meaning to see for an age (EX- and Shatterhand).
EX-
EX- surpassed all my expectations, I’d heard great things about them from Derek and Danny Mac among others (why do I always want to type “the legend” before Danny’s name?). Their set was packed full of instantly accessible rock ‘n’ roll punk songs. They have the tunes, melodies, hooks, lyrics and choruses to draw you in and the songs are like friends you haven’t seen for an age. Songs like Wasn’t Born Yesterday & Fake News bring to mind The Modern Lovers/Johnny Thunders/The Heartbreakers – right up my street. A nice touch at the end of their set dedicating Gone But Not Forgotten to Garry from Heavy Drapes. I am now the proud owner of all five EX- CDs.
L-Space
I felt for L-Space, whose set was besieged by technical issues/feedback, and it was difficult to hear the singer/lyrics. They were a different proposition to the guitar/bass/drums bands making up the rest of the line-up. I saw enough of their electronica to make me want to seek out more. With their keyboard & programming backed up with squally thrashing guitars and throbbing bass I heard elements of bands like Mogwai & Chvrches along with an element of shoegaze and the ethereal qualities of Cocteau Twins. A band for me to check out further.
Shatterhand
Shatterhand have been around for 20 years but this is the first time I’ve seen them live. The energy and fun the band exuded was second to none. Frontman Stuart McIntosh didn’t stop throughout the whole set pacing the floor, jumping from the drum-kit and climbing onto tables. The set started at 1000mph and didn’t let up. The band are all about friends having a good time and a few drinks, but with some serious points. Staunchly anti-fascist with songs promoting living life to the max and removing mental health stigma (Paradigm Shift). The band were a joy. Add to the mix a brilliant punked-up version of Pulp’s Disco 2000 and another half hour was well spent!
The Media Whores
Last band on was the mighty Media Whores. Tonight they were on fire. Blasting through some of their alternative post punk ‘n’ roll tunes with a conscience and a message. The swooping and riffing guitars were electric, in more than just the conventional sense, bass & drums pounding and Craig passionately delivering his vocals. Kicking off with Do You Think I’m Lying and firing through their set at pace including Whores classics including Class War, Zombies of Mayfair and Can’t Say Whore on the Radio. The by now very relaxed audience were lapping it up.
All too soon, their set was over, I said my goodbyes and headed for the door. Just in time though, the band were going to squeeze in one more tune. This time Affluenza from their Pornophonica album and a nod of recognition given to Garry Alexander Borland again. A nice touch and a knowing wink to Craig. I was paying my own mini tribute to Garry wearing my Heavy Drapes shirt.
The Literature
Tonight wasn’t just about the music of course. It was celebrating the launch of the fantastic Razur Cuts V and saluting the wealth of writing talent packed into this bumper issue.
Again, as a latecomer to the day, I missed some of the early contributions from the spoken word and stand-up performers (sorry!), but from when I arrived, I was treated to a mix of humour, poetry, touching heartfelt stories, funny tales, thought-provoking imagery & socio-political comment by a list of seriously talented individuals.
Julie Rea
Julie Rea had me transfixed with her frank and earnest tale straight from the heart. Thought provoking but still managing to inject some light-hearted moments. Hard to do when the story centres on domestic violence. A brilliantly compelling piece. Fantastic.
Emma Mooney
Emma Mooney gave an impassioned message to Trump’s America and its gun-laws sensitively using the example of the Dunblane tragedy and the fact that it prompted action. What use are thoughts and prayers?
Martin Geraghty
A couple of disconcertingly engaging pieces from Martin Geraghty that really made you think. He moved on to a more light-hearted humorous tale of an out of work bloke and his quest to avoid daytime TV and work at the same time, playing his own fantasy league game of Bookies vs Charity Shops. Had me grinning throughout.
Ian Cusack
The problem of having a celebration like this that starts at 4pm and is a mix of bands and spoken word, is the amount of alcohol imbibed and the impact this has on the spoken word performances. Some were some intent on having their own side conversations. Ian Cusack dealt well with this at the outset inviting those who didn’t want to listen to basically fuck off to the bar. Pleasantries out of the way he launched into an entertaining tale of a relationship gone sour and the impact it had. Influenced to play guitar and specifically by The Fannies (Teenage Fanclub For those not in the know), the follies of re-kindling old relationships were nipped in the bud with the clever use of lyrics from Don’t Look back at the end of the tale.
Joe Ridgewell
Joe Ridgewell had obviously enjoyed his day, and when it came to his turn he was overcome with the emotion of it all. OK he was pished. Without his glasses to help he struggled through a few of his poems giggling away. It was nice to see him enjoying himself. Brilliant! Ha Ha.
Chris McQueer
Derek’s coup was securing Chris McQueer to come along and do some readings. Pre-empting how Joe might be feeling the next day, Chris had come through the other side and was suffering from a hangover. He didn’t let that impact him as he told a jocular, but scarily real, story of apprentices at work talking about Brexit and the blank responses they were getting from a colleague who was pretty much clueless of the world around him. He followed that with an adeptly sharp short story, Korma Police, set in a word where Korma is illegal, and buying one is akin to sourcing hard drugs. Quick-witted, perceptive in its observations and ingeniously funny, Chris had the audience rapt and hanging on every word.
An Inspiration
Every one of these people was inspirational. I left re-invigorated and desperate to get my own debut book finished (its only take me 20 odd years so far).
Get your copy of Razur Cuts
Congratulations to Derek and his able team for setting this up and producing such a worthy magazine. Giving people the opportunity to get their writing seen and heard. I don’t envy the task of managing a day like this and ensuring it runs smoothly, so much kudos to all involved.
The magazine is available now from various outlets in Falkirk or order direct from Derek Steel/Razur Cuts (find them on FB). A bargain at £4.50 payable via PayPal to deeko1963@googlemail.com. Get yours NOW!
Did I mention I have a short story in it?…
