LIVE REVIEW: SLEAFORD MODS poke the nest at Exeter's Lemongrove with a career spanning set...
Walking into the Lemongrove venue, the air buzzed with anticipation. The University of Exeter's intimate venue which has seen some incredible acts over the years including Radiohead, Suede, Blur and MUSE was packed to the rafters, a testament to the popularity of Sleaford Mods, an act that have gone from strength to strength over the years.
I first saw them in 2015 at The Cavern in Exeter, it was the same minimal setup as it was tonight, no frills, no backdrop, no fire-breathers, just Andrew and Jason, doing what they do.
The evening’s entertainment kicked off with a duo called shortstraw. (all one word, all lowercase with a full stop at the end). They kicked off with a heady set consisting of scatter gun vocals applied over a solid backing track whilst the drummer pounded the skins to create a heavy atmosphere. Dancing, laughter and fun was very much the order of the day as the Exeter crowd warmed to their full throttle musical approach. As the beer flowed, the dancing started and it wasn’t long until the whole room was obbing along nicely. Highlights from their set for this reviewer included ‘Clean Up’ and ‘Good for Nothing’ which saw some immense audience participation come the end!
With the drum kit out of the way and the stage cleared for the main event, the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted as the duo—Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn—stepped onto the stage, ready to unleash their brand of abrasive, minimalist post-punk.
From the opening track, ‘Liveable Shit’, it was clear this was going to be a night to remember. Williamson's gravelly voice, dripping with East Midlands accent, cut through the air with raw intensity, while Fearn's minimalist beats provided the perfect backdrop.
The 26 track setlist was a journey through their discography, touching on newer offerings like ‘Force 10 From Navarone’, ‘Tilldipper’ and ‘UK GRIM’, all lifted from their latest record. Each song was delivered with a ferocity that only Sleaford Mods can muster, the crowd hanging on every word and beat. The energy in the room was electric. Williamson prowled the stage, smiling for the front row and draping a towel over his shoulder and mimicking a catwalk model, his presence commanding and captivating. He spat out lyrics with a passion, his words resonating with the audience. Fearn, with his infectious joy, danced around the stage like a loon, his movements adding a layer of chaotic charm to the overall performance.
There were many highlights throughout the night, these included some classics such as ‘Tiswas’, ‘Fizzy’ and the hypnotic rhythm of ‘Mork n Mindy’. ‘Jolly Fucker’ was a blast, the track, a snotty and bilious critique of modern life, had the crowd riled up, moshing and singing along with a fervor that only true fans can muster.
They played their unique version of The Pet Shop Boys' ‘West End Girls’, which sounded amazing, this was followed by ‘Tied Up in Nottz’, ‘Jobseeker’ and their closing track ‘Tweet Tweet Tweet’ which took the roof off the place.
Sleaford Mods have always been a 'marmite' band (you either love them or you hate them), and this show was no exception. For those who love them, it was an unforgettable experience, a reminder of why they are one of the UK's most revered cult acts. For those who hate them, well, they probably stayed in, wanking over the latest episode of ‘Desperate D-List Celebrity Jungle’.
For me, and many others in the crowd, it was a night of pure, unadulterated joy.
Bravo!
Date: November 28, 2024
Venue: Lemongrove, University of Exeter
Words by: Steve Muscutt
Setlist
Liveable Shit
Middle Men
From Rags to Richards
Under the Plastic and N.C.T.
Smithy
A Little Ditty
The Corgi
Tiswas
Air Conditioning
Jolly Fucker
Tilldipper
UK GRIM
Force 10 From Navarone
Strike Force
Mork n Mindy
You're Brave
Fizzy
Git Some Balls
B.H.S.
Keep Out of It
Tarantula Deadly Cargo
West End Girls (Pet Shop Boys cover)
Nudge It
Tied Up in Nottz
Jobseeker
Tweet Tweet Tweet