Photo by @jack.gobbe
As off-kilter as Sleaford Mods sounds, members Andrew Fearn and Jason Williamson are a match made in heaven. It only makes sense for post-punk to be played off a laptop in the 21st century.
In an unparalleled fusion of hip-hop, electronica, and post-punk, Sleaford Mods have embodied the rage of the working class and just about everyone with their head screwed on properly for the last decade. The wit and vigour within Williamson’s spoken word commentary are ripe for Australia’s humour, and thus it was no surprise when the duo was met with rousing excitement at The Triffid.
As Fearn launched heavy industrial beats from his station, Williamson paces with one arm clenched around the microphone, the other animating his discontent with the world we live in.
The ominous bass of ‘The Committee’ introduced the night, with Williamson spitting his flurry of social commentary into the air as Fearn lingers left of the stage with the crazed eyes of a mad genius. While the Sleaford Mods’ sound is straightforward, it is by no means repetitive. From the vile intensity of ‘Jolly Fucker’ to the industrial albeit melodic hip-hop pace of ‘Flipside’, Williamson and Fearn have carved out a trademark sound.
Photo courtesy of @jack.gobbe
The rolling bass of ‘TCR’ channels the energy of Joy Division, albeit if they lost their job and stumbled home from the pub. As Williamson’s direct stream of consciousness is proclaimed front and centre, you can’t help but raise your fists and bang your head. His delivery was most pronounced on ‘Just Like We Do’, with Fearn’s sharp bass jabs finding Williamson gracefully pirouetting around the stage, his infectious charm heightening the hilarity of the chorus.
‘Jobseeker’ brought a rousing reaction as the set ended, fists pumping as the crowd chanted the all too relatable matter of being stood on by our government. As the latest single from their forthcoming record, the crowd’s reaction to ‘Jobseeker’ was a testament to the duo’s knack for finding the hilarity in the downright ridiculous.
And just as the world continues to spiral out of control, we’ll turn to Williamson and Fearne.
