AAA / Capdown Live

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AAA / Capdown. @ The Vic, Derby. 9/9/2000.

Like most of the fans here, I'd come equally, if not more to see Capdown than AAA.
I'd seen Capdown twice before (Supporting King Prawn and at Morecambe) both times I was impressed, especially at Morecambe, but this was the first time I'd seen the Milton Keynes band since I'd bought their album and EP and been treated to the great split 7" with Link 80.
AAA I was less looking forward too, although they've some really good political songs, I always felt only 50% of them pay off. Leaving with you 3 or 4 good songs on an album and the rest pretty much not worth listening too. Thankfully when playing live they can compile the best 3 or 4 songs from each album to put up a decent set.

I must admit some of the American band's material of the new album sounds fairly good.

Capdown opened the proceedings, I think the first song they played was the monster that is "Jnr nbc" (or was it "Unite to progress"). This hardcore number sent vocalist/sax man Jake into an early frenzy. It wasn't long before the crowd joined him. More people were in the pit and singing along for the majority of Capdown's set than they were for AAA's.

The attendance was healthy although I'd presumed AAA were gonna be a bigger draw than they were. Apparently at quickly arranged gig the night before they weren't a great deal of people there. So it was good to see Capdown performing back to a near full house.
The drums kicked in and everyone piled forward as "Kained but able" thrashed in, what a great number to play early in a set. It really got the crowd going. Keith was doing his flying kicks as Boob just played to Tim on drums.

Jake got out his sax and a more skanking beat was brought in with "Cousin cleotis". This was then followed with "Unite to progress" (or was it jnr nbc") which was good, but not one of the bands best tracks.
"Stand my ground" from the debut EP was one the nights highlights, as was "positivity" which sounded really good and was dedicated to Derby.
"Headstrong" kept the crowd going and as ever "ska wars" was cool although Jake had a problem with the sax mike and did the whole song cross legged!

The set was completed as it is usually with Terrorgrouppe's "ACAB" which saw Jake launch into the crowd for the second time with the mic to get a bit of crowd participation.
Overall it was a really intense set and after a trip into Europe, Jake said the boys hope to be back in November on there own tour, lets just hope their not to jaded after a great year's touring.

AAA hit the stage as a four piece, With Tim Coats and Jeremy Kaiser the departed brass players being replaced with new guy Allan.

"All fall down" was up first and as one of AAA's best songs it was a great start. "Sk8 rock" and "We don't need you" were both excellent, and finally people got down to the front and started getting down in the pit, which was empty for the first couple of numbers, despite guitarist Joe's invitation for people to dance.
A couple of the new tracks sounded really good including "24 hour roadside resistance" which was another highlight.
The American band never let up there fierce ska'rdcore approach, although the Allan's brass could of done with being a bit louder.
Vocalist and bassman Danny took time out between quite a few songs to explain the political meanings behind the songs.
Although the crowd bayed for it the band didn't play "Ska sucks" but possibly Against All authority's best number of the night was "Justification" which rocked and saw the most people down in the pit to end another great night at the Vic.