The Hyperjax / Billy Bootlegger’s / Nottingham
So last night, for the first time in 15 months, we were able to get out to a real live gig, at an indoor venue, and what a cracking show to get us back into the swing of things as we visited Billy Bootlegger’s in Nottingham to see the mighty Hyperjax. And what a show to come back to as well !
This was the Hyperjax first show together for 15 months, but it certainly didn’t show. Formed back in 1996 in the North West, the Hyperjax play a fast and riotous mixture of rockabilly, psychobilly and punk. The drums are thunderous and give the set a powerful sense of urgency. Dan’s standing bass playing is second to none. The guitar playing is outstanding from start to finish. The set list didn’t disappoint either, with popular tracks from right across their back catalogue, including ‘Panic Button’ and ‘Where Egos Dare’ from 2007’s “Generation X-Rated” through ‘Talkin’ New York City’ and ‘Self Made Cell’ from 2000’s “The Wildest Card”, and ‘Blood and Sand’ and ‘Blast Me Into Outer Space’ from 2015’s album “March to your Own Beat”. Right up to date with several tracks fro their latest 2019 album “Brining the Bad Back Home” including my favourite track form the album ‘I Persevere’ and ‘The Blind Leading the Blind’.
Clearly relishing the chance to play live again, The Hyperjax certainly put on a show. With a great stage presence and a sense of humour, it really was a fantastic performance.
Support was provided by Liverpools own, and one of a kind Krank Williams. How to describe Krank……? Well in his own words he’s a ‘hardcore scouseneck hillbilly’ one man band playing a wide variety of covers such as ‘I Fought the Law by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets and popularized by a cover by the Bobby Fuller Four, and later by The Clash. Raw, rough and loud a well established figure on the live psychobilly scene. Despite some technical issues with a guitar pickup, Krank overcamne the issues and powered through some great tunes which the audience loved. Krank will be back in Nottingham as part of the Rockin’ the Boneyard psychobilly all day event at Rough Trade on 28 August 2021. One not to miss.
This was our first time at a live show at Billy Bootlegger’s and I have to say it’s a fantastic venue for live music. A dive bar ‘feel’ with small stage, it creates a fantastic atmosphere. Although the experience was still impacted in some ways by Covid restrictions such as mask wearing while walking round, the tale service system worked brilliantly, and they staff were all fantastic and welcoming. A special mention goes out to the house sound engineer. As with many small venues, the time and care given to set up puts some larger venues to shame. A fantastic night and with some amazing shows lined up with the like of Red Hot Riot to visit this year, Billy’s is highly recommended for a great night out, and a wonderful, welcoming venue, we’ll certainly be covering more from in the future.
