Photo: Emma Viola Lilja
Nottingham post-punk/hip hop duo Sleaford Mods are playing their biggest stage to date, having sold out the 2,300 capacity Forum. A monumental occasion for lyricist Jason Williamson, who’s been making music under the name Sleaford Mods since 2006. It wasn't until 2012, though, that he teamed up with producer Andrew Fearn, produced three 'proper' albums, and things have really taken off.
Their ability to sell out the 2,300 capacity venue is tantamount to the increasing interest the music fans have had in Williamson's honest and angry words. His vivid depiction of contemporary Britain from the perspective of someone having to scrape it together every week, and from someone who's really in tune with the hypocrisy within the Tory government is brilliant.
What makes it all the more meaningful is that the imagery used is grim and extreme, a bit like John Cooper Clarke’s poem ‘Twat’. He's a lot more rattled than Clarke though, and this gives Sleaford Mods their great live reputation.
In preparation for the set, Andrew Fearn, the flat cap-wielding producer carries on his laptop and lays it on a low table, then quickly returns to pick up his six pack of beers. He’s a fan favourite and gets a huge cheer before even starting.
A microphone against an unremarkable black curtain is all that’s left to complete the stage set up. But flamboyance isn’t what Williamson is about. He remarks: “I’ve brought my prop, my No.1 fan, Darren” whilst pointing to a white office fan to keep the sweat to a minimum whilst he’s belting his guts out in a sincerely riled up fashion.
Sweat and spit flies from Williamson's face, and he’s truly pumped to give the performance of a lifetime. The energy slowly builds before erupting on 'Face To Faces'. From here on out, the crowd are as hyped as Williamson, and push and shove as they would at a heavy hip hop or punk gig. Rib-rattling bass riffs from the laptop are an effective minimalist accompaniment.
“We appreciate you coming to see these two cunts, We want to play premium tunes for you for the rest of our fucking lives.” says an appreciative Williamson. It’s hard to see why they won’t be able to - so long as they keep delivering their topical lyrics as well as they have tonight.
