Philistines live at The Plough, Walthamstow, 11th September

The Philistines are back with a powerful new rock 'n' roll line-up comprising of stalwart powerhouse drummer Chris Musto, new boys Ray McVeigh and Koozie Johns on guitars and Glen on bass and lead vocals. What a pedigree! Ray, of course, was Steve Jones's guitar duelling partner in the legendary Professionals. Famed for underpinning the sound on The Professionals' album I Didn't See It Coming, Ray's guitar remains as dynamic as ever. Koozie Johns is rock 'n' roll personified, and responsible for one of the best rock albums in the past two years with his group Sinnerstar (Craving Aches & Bitter Lemon Hearts). Both Ray and Koozie have played together in Wild Crash 500 and know how to complement each other instinctively. Incidentally, Chris has also drummed live with Sinnerstar. Rock 'n' roll symbiosis! This understanding between the group is a major plus for The Philistines. Glen's assembled a cohesive unit with the right mix of committed personalities and attitude.
Billed as a warm up gig, a red-hot one was anticipated. Kicking off aptly enough with Hot Water from the album "Who's he think he is…", the band proceeded to play a selection of songs from across Glen's Philistines career. The 'new' Philistines reminded me strangely of Johnny Thunders' Heartbreakers (at their most together, I must add!). Koozie's powerful rock chords seem to glide and swagger effortlessly, while Ray's cool riffs and solos make you realise that this is not merely a set of backing musicians, but a group getting the best out of one another. Chris (who was part of Thunders band in the late 80s), has drummed for many years with The Philistines, and his knowledge of the material meant there was no danger of songs going awry if the new boys were still on a learning curve. Glen himself never gives less than 100% during a Philistines show. The reason is simple. He's put a hell of a lot into this material and the band, and cares passionately about it. It's there for all to see.
The new album was represented by Be Somebody, Whose Side Are You On, OK Kiddo, Suck It And See, the exhilarating White Knuckle Ride, Piece Of the Action, Better Start Getting Used To It, and the title track (and set closing), On Something.
The encore gave another outing for the 'forever-young sounding' favourites, Stepping Stone and Pretty Vacant, two songs the punters never tire of hearing. More importantly, The Philistines' set is littered with gems as fresh and vital sounding as the old hits. With a band line-up that is crying out for longevity, The Philistines are a group set firmly in the tradition of true rock 'n' roll. Strong songs, performed with a hint of sleaze, delivered a great night of feel-good rock 'n' roll at The Plough Inn. A terrific crowd reaction left no doubts about the quality of their debut show. All signs point to an exciting future.
Review by Phil Singleton

With thanks to Ray Morrissey, Phil Singleton and Rattle Your Cage

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