As i am currently being swamped with other duties than enjoying shows i had to kick myself in the butt: Get out, get to see something new!
The outlook was 2x new and 1x local and by the looks a wide spread of sounds, so give and take it should entertaining.
And entertaining indeed it was!
Early kick-off was with Starving Wolves from Austian, TX. Their promotional material makes some rather big reading:
Starving Wolves embrace traditional punk elements like aggressive drumbeats and gruff vocals, while blending melodic guitars and singalong campfire choruses.
To my big surprise they turned out as a well rehearsed, hand-in-glove unit that pushed relentlessly forward without sacrificing melody.
Starving Wolves (Monkeys, Hamburg, 26.03.2025)
(c) gehkacken.de 2025
They got a lot going on on stage, had good messaging and a near perfect guitar sound (largely fueled by the guitar player sporting the neat Dayglo Abortions shirt).
Starving Wolves (Monkeys, Hamburg, 26.03.2025)
(c) gehkacken.de 2025
No clue how they ended up on tonights show playing first, they could as well have filled the role of the headliner.
The most cool albeit slower song was the one with the trumpet, which to no surprise is the A1 on their recent LP:
I did not score a record but i guess i will checkout them out more now. Short and crisp set, great start.
Next local heroes Bullshit Boy and with them it was not only by stage design and outfit a stark contrast but also a very different interpretation of Punk.
But as ever, it is such contrast to help you to maintain a wide view (and acceptance).
Bullshit Boy (Monkeys, Hamburg, 26.03.2025)
(c) gehkacken.de 2025
The set felt a wee bit long (and pushed some of the audience to the bar) but for me it was by and large a good one. And specifically because it included some fitting covers (eg. like a wonderful female redemption of Bodies).
And that gave way for the headliner, here is how Split Dogs kicked it off:
And this is what they set out for the lot (and i do like the unpretentious headline of the setlist):
And with them just another viewpoint on Punk hit the stage. In an interview they phrased it like this:
“I think we appeal to people differently because we look so different on stage. Harry’s on stage in a sequin outfit, dancing like Tina Turner with a full-pelt rock’n’roll band behind they/them, and I don’t think you often see that in 2025, especially from a new band. It’s curiosity; not morbid curiosity though.” (laughs) – Mil.
Someone else noted that they are an unholy stew of Punk and Rock’n’Roll mix of Tina Turner, Slade & Status Quo and boy that sentence has a lot in it.
Status Quo? Yes, specifically Status Quo-like riffs i noted from the aptly chosen Flying-V Guitar strummed by Mil. And, yes, against all odds it worked like a charm!
Split Dogs (Monkeys, Hamburg, 26.03.2025)
(c) gehkacken.de 2025
What stood out for me, next to the relentless energy of the band and the outgoing persona of singer Harry, was the sheer fact of 4 completely different personas bringing it together in a very unique way and sound.
New. Fresh. Exiting (though thoroughly grounded in all the stuff i dig).
They entertained the lot in the most positive sense you can appropriate to the word Entertaiment. And where Bullshit Boy felt a bit long, the Split Dog set felt a wee bit short (for a headliner).
Here is how they finished up (though they came back for an extra extra):
Wow, they did not fall short against all the praise i noticed upfront. 110% energy, 110% real. 110% entertaining.
A very modern and almost both un-British and classic Brit Rock approach to Punk in the very same moment.
Here is one more, both a great song with good lyrics and a great visual…
I did not score a record at the show but i guess it is only a matter of time that i’ll add their stuff to my collection.
I guess it was a bit less than half-full at the Monkeys on this Wednesday evening, specifically the Split Dogs would have warranted a bigger turnout.
Will they be able to hit it big like eg. The Meffs or Amyl & The Sniffers? If that happens than i’d be happy for them, i think they have all the ingredients ready.
Great show, perfect companions and a couple of drinks. Good that i choose to go out!
