Zounds @ Wharf Chambers, Leeds, UK, 11/12/2022

Zounds @ Wharf Chambers, Leeds, UK, 11/12/2022

Three different decades! That's how many different decades I have seen this band play live in. The 2000's, 2010's, and now the 2020's. If I was much older I could have seen them in the 1970's 1980's and 1990's too. For an anarcho-punk band to still be playing live in their sixth decade, it's quite a legacy. 

The 'Curse of the Zounds' discography has remained on regular rotation in my playlist ever since I first saw them back in 2005 at The Fenton in Leeds. What makes them a particular standout from a lot of bands in the anarcho-punk scene is that they are actually quite tuneful, melodic, and have lyrics that uncover contradictions, explore uncertainty, as well as similarly to other bands from that scene, are outright political. 

The second time I caught them, was at a May Day rally in Bradford in 2012, where they were still practicing what they preach, and living to their ideals. This is also evident from during the period when the Moncada Rocks collective existed (which raised money for humanitarian organisations in South America), and something that I was part of from 2005-2009. We had Steve Lake play an acoustic set at one of our events at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds. 

I recently picked up a copy of the book Zounds Demystified from Amorphous Pieces, which made me fall more in love with the band, as it contains all the lyrics from the songs, alongside commentary and anecdotes from Steve Lake - it's the kind of ultimate level of geekery one could wish for from one of your all time favourite bands. 

I flew back from Malaysia a few days before the show in 2022, delighted to hear that a ticket had been returned and that I could now attend the sold out matinee show at the radical alternative social centre Wharf Chambers - again, actions > words. It's always a pleasure hearing these songs live, and they still sound as good and fresh today. This one was quite an emotional affair for the band as it was the last ever show for the current bassist who had been with them for quite some time. Steve Lake as always, was equally  entertaining and thought provoking with his wry wit, and it was overall another mesmerising, haunting, and cathartic Zounds live performance. 

Steve is probably in his 60's now is not sowing any signs of slowing down. He is currently active with his side project Blood Moon Wedding and Zounds are ploughing on with shows confirmed for Rebellion Festival and in Athens, Greece later this year. I think there is a strong possibility of seeing them in a different decade, as it is quite likely Steve will take them from his cradle until his grave. 

Take a listen if you've never had the pleasure...