Colchester based punk band Pet Needs have had a whirlwind 12 months or so following the release of their first LP ‘Fractured Music Party’ on Xtramile recordings, produced by record company stable mate, Frank Turner. The album is a belter and having seen them supporting Frank at his end of lockdown (mid lockdown as it turned out) ‘The Gathering’ roadshow I couldn't wait to see them in a more suitable environment, a small sweaty venue with a very passionate crowd.

First up was Oxbowlake and it was evident that not only did they have a few supporters in, a lot of the rest of the crowd had turned up early and they were not to be disappointed, even after being lambasted for “...not being in the bar getting p!*#£d”. This acoustic duo had a bunch of catchy songs and the crowd were well up for a party and joined in wholeheartedly. The song about hating your boss and leaving the job was a masterpiece and the song 'Trigger' had it all, including some Eminem (I think), a Pet Needs mash up and, and I cannot emphasis how good this was, the Only Fools and Horses theme tune all stuck together in a fantastic composition. Copyright infringement issues aside, it was brilliant, with the crowd providing the backing. One of the best opening acts I have seen in a long, long time and they left the stage to the chants of "Oxbowlake, Oxbowlake!!" Marvellous.

Next up were Berries, who I first caught supporting Skinny Lister at the end of 2021. However in just a few short months, this was a slicker outfit and the songs sounded even better. The new song ‘Wall of Noise’ got the joint bouncing and as the girls joked between themselves and the crowd from start to finish, I think they picked up a bunch of new fans. This trio have a really full sound and Holly’s guitar work is accomplished. Once again the crowd responded and, by throwing in a little Pet Needs excerpt cover, the noise grew (not sure I have ever gone to a gig and both support bands played part of the headline acts songs but it definitely worked to spark the crowd!). This short set really was something special and the crowd sent Berries off into the night with the chant of “Berries, Berries” ringing in their ears. It’s going to be a big 12 months for this band.

And then it was time for the main act. Its been just over 12 months since Colchester based Pet Needs, founded by brothers George (guitars) and Johnny Marriot (Vocals and guitars) and joined by Jack (drums) and Rich (bass), released debut LP Fractured Party Music and its been a non stop ride every since. Supports on Frank Turner’s The Gathering tour as well as various one offs, a small headline tour supporting the Nick Alexander Music Trust charity and a few more dates headlining are in the bag before they leave these shores supporting Frank Turner across the US and also a Lost Evenings spot in Germany. This was the last gig in the UK for over 4 months and it was to be something special. Kicking off with ‘Overcompensating’, it went crazy from the start. Johnny was in the crowd by the second song, ‘Sympathetic Accent Syndrome’, and the pace was unabating from the first note. The Louisiana started to really heat up, metaphorically and literally, as the crowd were whipped into a frenzy.

The mosh pit formed early and the cracking songs just kept coming. I’m too old for that game so retired towards the back to take it all in. Johnny didn’t stop moving from start to finish, bouncing from one side of the stage to the other (when he wasn’t in the crowd) and didn’t miss a note. They even had time to throw in a few new songs to the mix that sounded really good. The main set ended with ‘Tracey Emin’s Bed’ and, while they skulked around the edge of the stage with the crowd screaming “one more song”, (there was no chance the band were getting off stage at the Louisiana) they had one last blast with ‘Toothpaste’. And that was it. The semi naked bodies of the pit, dripping in sweat, merged together to join the queue at merch stall, I’m guessing there is a ‘no shirt no sale’ rule but as I said, it was a cold night so they may have died without some form of body covering!

Pet Needs really are a very slick outfit and now they are all ‘professional’ (Rich finished work last week, for good) the future is looking very bright for this Colchester 4 piece.