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Leatherface

Boat in the Smoke DVD
2005
Punkervision

Leatherface - Boat in the Smoke DVD (Cover Artwork)

Review by: rob_rob
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Published on June 20th 2006

Ruthless. It seems to be the only word to describe Sutherland's Leatherface. If you clicked on this, I'm sure you know the history of the band, so I'll spare you the lesson. This DVD is far from new, but it's definitely the best in my collection. Why? Because every note played on a guitar or bass or sung is on the finished product, good or bad. I think bands forget that when putting together DVDs; people don't want to see clips from two different nights edited together to get all the best "punk rock jumps" nor do we want ridiculous overdubs to see how well-practised the band's lead guitarist is, á la the Vandals videos/DVDs I've seen (to all naysayers, watch Sweating to the Oldies. Warren's hands aren't in the right place the whole time). Basically, this DVD is raw performance -- it's not always perfect, but the emotion packed into it is intense.

It starts off like most Leatherface performances, with "Springtime," and it's pretty fucking amazing. From there they dip into most albums, with the exception of the first two, but the other songs more then make up for it. The guitar sound is shrill and pummelling, while the bass and drums hold down the low end to perfection. Some of the highlights include "Hoodlum," "Not a Day Goes By," "Raga," "Little White God," "Andy," an incredibly emotional performance of "Heart Is Home," and "Dead Industrial Atmosphere," which still gives me chills every time I hear the opening guitar line.

The only drawback to the DVD would have to be the absence of a second guitar player. Leatherface was always known for their fantastic, interweaving guitar lines (just check out the unreleased track "Unfurnished" to see my point) and Frankie Stubbs does a marvellous job on his own, but songs like "Watching You Sleep," "Little White God," and "Sour Grapes" suffer from the loss of a dueling guitar player.

The extra features on the DVD are a fantastic addition as well. It includes a hilarious interview with Frankie Stubbs about the band, Republican punk rock bands, the horrors of touring and which albums he sang on drunk ("you can really hear the slurring on that record"). It also features a bonus live video taken a few months earlier. The quality isn't great, as it was done on a handy cam, but it is worth it for such songs as "Daylight Comes," "Pale Moonlight" and "Not Superstitious" which features Chris Wollard (ex-HWM, currently of the Draft) on second guitar and backup vocals, and he also mocks Frankie's unique stage dance, the "rock shuffle."

Basically, this DVD is a great buy for people on the other side of the ocean, the one Leatherface happens to never visit. I wouldn't see any long-time fans being disappointed with this DVD, in all its unpolished glory.

P.S. They're also getting back together with the original lineup for a new album and tour; get excitied.

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 12:17 PM (EDT)
My Score:

I am in this dvd. The portion at the underground in London, I am the bloke at the front of the stage with the green hat. A good time was had by all.

Posted by Grade_ on 2006-06-23 00:18:21

Any other good band dvds netflix has. I recently got Lucero's Bright Stars on Lonesome nights. I couldnt believe that had that one.

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 7:28 PM (EDT)
My Score:

This DVD is pure brilliance. Getting used to Stubb's voice is everything but easy , but what a reward when you get it. The guitar work is remarkable, I, however al not into the drumming. It lacks diversity and the occassional double bass drumming is not too great if you ask me.
Anyway everyone who's into rock music should get this DVD.

Also, there's a recent Manifesto Jukebow live review posted on the website. To anyone who hasn't heard the band, I highly recommmend you check it out. It has obviously been influenced by Leatherface/ Rites of Spring ... and their live show is really really loud (and incredibly beautiful). www.myspace.com/mjfinland

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 5:49 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Mush is the usual pick, try to find frankie stubbs solo 10 inch.

And if you an find it, the record I was most suprised with, the record Frankie and co. in a slightly modified lineup released under the band name "Jesse" is pretty fucking good, may as well have been a leatherface record. I was expecting quality, but I like it better than The Last and Horsebox.

wyzo

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 9:43 AM (EDT)

"Anyone Have Any Advice On What To Pick Up All I Have Is the HWM Split (Which I Loved)"

if you can find it Minx

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 6:58 AM (EDT)

"Anyone Have Any Advice On What To Pick Up All I Have Is the HWM Split (Which I Loved)"

Try "Mush"
"The Last" (the Byo version)

For modern stuff, try
"Horsebox"

Posted by Defeated on 2006-06-21 20:12:00

Anyone Have Any Advice On What To Pick Up All I Have Is the HWM Split (Which I Loved)

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 9:33 AM (EDT)

"I saw that one. It was okay. A lot of weird cut ins of gay bum sex every now and then. Strange and revealing, but I don't judge"

I'm sorry your application for a job at the comedy store has been declined, please try again.

Posted by tapemarks_and_brakelights on 2006-06-21 09:12:52

i fucking love leatherface.

hearing that they were getting back together for a new album/tour (apparently) made my fucking week.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 5:36 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Saw them twice, once with 2 guitarists and then 1. It's like night and day.

One of the few bands that will upstage whoever they play with, and will win over anyone live who dislikes their studio records.

Just the one guitar was still amazing, but its nothing like the 2 guitar assault live, which I've not heard any band do as well and as full.

wyzo

Posted by aaronemerson on 2006-06-20 16:55:43

Anyone know a site besides Intercrap.com where I can mailorder this slice of radness?

Netflix has it.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 4:34 PM (EDT)

This is the only music DVD you ever need buy along with the non existant, Husker DU, DVD contained inside of my head.

I saw that one. It was okay. A lot of weird cut ins of gay bum sex every now and then. Strange and revealing, but I don't judge.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 3:21 PM (EDT)

Wow this is such a good DVD...it came out ages ago though.

Pale Moonlight, probably the best Leatherface song ever.

This is the only music DVD you ever need buy along with the non existant, Husker DU, DVD contained inside of my head.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 3:11 PM (EDT)

"Anyone know a site besides Intercrap.com where I can mailorder this slice of radness?"

I think cduniverse carries it probly cheaper than interpunk but as far as punk mailorders go I'm not sure.

- APK

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 2:58 PM (EDT)

Anyone know a site besides Intercrap.com where I can mailorder this slice of radness?

Whats this talk about the original line-up? Hammond and Stubbs rocking faces together again...it sounds too good to be true.

Posted by JonDaley on 2006-06-20 00:31:42
My Score:

good review. I'll be picking this up soon but I still don't own all their cds one of my favourite bands. Can't wait for the new record but I hear they won't tour the states as long as bush is in power, luckily I live in Canada