LIVE REVIEW & GALLERY: King Prawn @ Waterfront Studio, Norwich

March 3oth 2024

Support from Filthy Militia

Newcomer to both bands, but instantly hooked by their tunes, I found myself swept away in the fervour at the Waterfront Studio. When King Prawn and Filthy Militia stormed the stage, they didn't just perform; they unleashed a sonic revolution. Filthy Militia, the punk insurgents, initiated the onslaught with a ferocity that shook the venue to its core. "I Don't Know You," an anthem for chance encounters that turn into instant friendships, resonated deeply with the crowd, its infectious energy uniting strangers in a whirlwind of camaraderie. "Splitting Hairs" took on new meaning as Nat, one of the band members, was absent that night, bravely battling stage 4 incurable bowel cancer. Despite his absence, Nat's spirit loomed large, as the band urged fans to support his cause—running the London Marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support, trombone in hand.

Following in their wake, King Prawn emerged as the ska-punk vanguards, ready to lead the charge. Frontman Al Rumjen commanded the stage with an unrivalled presence, his gravelly vocals driving the band through a setlist brimming with classics and hidden gems. From the anthemic "Smoke Some Shit" to the swashbuckling "Level Up," each song was a testament to their enduring influence and musical innovation. Each song was a catalyst, igniting wild mosh pits that pulsed and surged with raw energy throughout the entire gig. The crowd's fervour knew no bounds, transforming the venue into a swirling sea of bodies, united in their passion for the music and the message it conveyed.

During the night, amidst the pulsating chaos, a crowd member fell. The band, displaying genuine concern, respectfully left the stage while other gig-goers rallied to ensure their safety. As the chap was escorted out of the room, Waterfront staff ensured they received the necessary attention, a testament to the caring community that flourished amidst the anarchy.

Yet, amidst the chaos and cacophony, there was a sense of unity; a shared rebellion against the mundane. The small, dimly lit Studio provided the perfect backdrop for this convergence of misfits and mavericks, its intimate confines pulsating with the collective heartbeat of the crowd.

As the night wore on, the music became more than just a soundtrack; it became a rallying cry, a call to arms for those who dared to defy convention. And in that moment, amidst the sweat and the chaos, King Prawn and Filthy Militia stood as beacons of defiance, reminding us all that the spirit of punk is alive and well.

So here's to the night at The Studio; a night of rebellion, camaraderie, and unbridled passion. Long may the echoes of King Prawn and Filthy Militia's defiance reverberate through the halls of our memories, inspiring us to keep fighting, keep dancing, and keep living on our own terms.