AFTERMATH

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Aftermath were a Powerpop combo who formed in Belfast in February 1979. The band were Kev McAleenan guitar and vocals, Joe ‘Piranha’ Nugent, guitar, Joe Neill bass and Mark Kerr drums. Joe Nugent’s brother played in The Parasites who featured in the Shell Shock Rock Movie. They soon complied a tight live set or original compositions, such as ‘Do What You Want’ and ‘Back Street Girls’.

The band self-released one single, ‘For You’ in 1980. On the back of it’s release the band went to England the following year on a short promotional tour. The single received airplay on numerous radio shows, including John Peel’s influential BBC Radio 1 Show and Dave Fanning’s late night RTE show in Ireland. It even featured on Radio One’s round table. All this and the single was never issued in a picture sleeve! You can listen to the B side below.

Positive Action / Aftermath - Cosmos Youth Club gig review by Bo Carson for Issue 3 of Cabaret Fanzine 1980.

First things first. The night began with some confusion as to whether or not the gig was going to be held. But, it went ahead, unfortunately local three piece L.S.D. couldn’t play as their drummer had injured an arm.

Positive Action (P.A.) were first on. The small hall was packed and as the band opened their set there was a warm friendly atmosphere. “Four People” and “Split Personality” opened P.A.’s set. Both songs were well played, “Split Personality” being particularly effective, the bass and drums throbbing, pounding away creating an excellent dance beat. In total contrast, “Born Out Of Turmoil” was calm, restrained, slow and sensitive in comparison, to the almost brutal attack of “Four People”. “Protective Custody” followed, more often than not a weak unimpressive song, it actually worked tonight, the bass providing a good rhythm to dance to.

“The Boy Looked At Johnny” was disappointing , the sound being too shallow, not enough bass. However, the creaming, piercing guitar of “Break-Up” followed, and Paul Burke’s guitar reinforcing Joe Heutes angry impassioned vocals. Next came “Today Is Different”. The song wasn’t fully effective because of it’s placing in the set, but was nevertheless impressive. “Technology” and “Crime Of Passion” then followed. “Crime” was sublime, the guitars melodic and the rhythm insistent but subtle. The group closed with their only cover version, “Metal Postcard” / “Hippy Hippy Shake”, which is good for a laugh, anyway. P.A.’s best gig to date. The sound was perfect. Best of all, the audience danced and showed their appreciation of the set.

Next group were Aftermath. I didn’t quite know what to think of them. They are a tight group, but their style has its defects. They opened with their single, “For You”, which was likeable and well received by all. A dull, boring, cliched version of “Teenage Kicks” followed. “Shakin’ All Over” was equally annoying despite being tight. “Do What You Want” (pathetic title) had some good vocals and “Back Street Girls” benefited from Mark Kerr’s excellent drumming.

Aftermath, however ended on a high note with an instrumental “Visions Of Paradise”. The sharp guitars buoying the sound.

All in all this was a very enjoyable gig. It was good to see the two bands playing originals instead of ALL covers, although Aftermath went in too much for H.M. macho posing for my liking. Nevertheless, both bands really deserve to be heard. Get out and dance to these bands……

If you have any further information or photographs of this band, please DO get in contact via spit77to82@aol.com


 

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