A party atmosphere descended on The Tramshed in Cardiff as Newport’s greatest export, Goldie Lookin Chain (GLC), for a night of soap bar-fueled working-class Welsh rap.
But before GLC stormed the stage, the night opened with fellow Welsh rockers, Punk trio, Shlug.
I’m not sure what I expected before GLC, but Shlug was a pleasant surprise.
The punk trio from Cardiff were, to put it bluntly, loud. In the best possible way.
Each track was an exciting mix of discordant soundscapes and pure fury, as lead singer Ellis Acton-Dyer, earnest lyrics delivered with a mixture of pleading desperation and seething rage.
Halfway through a blistering set, Shlug were joined on stage by a saxophone player, wearing a Trans Rights Now shirt, for their last few tunes that sounded like B-sides from Bowie’s final album.
Raw, powerful, and not what anyone was expecting. Shlug were a great opening act, even if they didn’t quite gel with the silliness to follow. If you are a fan of post-punk and are looking for a band to get excited about. Check out Shlug.
Exploding onto the stage with boundless energy to The Gladiators’ theme tune, Goldie Lookin Chain, took no time getting everyone in the party mood – jumping, chanting, and getting their hands in the air.
Like a stoned Beasty Boys tribute act with too many members, the Newport natives were delightful as they launched into their ode to Chicken Soup.
Their set was packed full of hits, including the time Eggsy thought he was half man half machine, on a mission to buy tens fags, that you can get free money from Claims Direct if you do the Bad Boy Limp, and the wonders of Soapbar, also known as the cheapest and roughest weed not a lot of money can buy.
We were also treated to an impromptu rendition of Walk This Way, but the highlight was Guns Don’t Kill People (Rappers Do), which blew the roof clean off the place.
GLC also gave a random shoutout to the Super Furry Animals because they’re a really good band.
What makes GLC so damn good is when they are not rapping about owning the joys of owning a van in The Valleys or the best corner shop in Newport (Baneswell Express). They are making brilliant parodies, like the Weird Al of the rap world. There is no tune they can’t repurpose into something daft and very Welsh. From having 21 ounces of blow, making an ice-ice dildo to telling everyone they’re not from Newport, each is expertly crafted, hilarious, and performed with boundless energy and great comic timing.
GLC finished their main set with a Jungle version of Your Missus is a Nutter and the rousing Newport State of Mind.
They then returned for an encore. I say encore; they didn’t make it off the stage. Instead, they decided to play one last song about your mother, who has a penis. Then pushed play on the tape for another, the apt PJs.
Thus ended a fantastic evening of weed-fueled fun with one of the most entertaining acts touring now. If you get the chance, GLC will ensure you have an adequate time.
