On a cold Monday evening, we were invited down to Purple Turtle in Reading, by Ian from The Hiker (Review Live by Rob Henry Here), for their performance on the 22nd of January 2024. This was organised by ‘Turtle Underground’-er, Kian Lonergan-Curry, with Club Reckless after, who produce/promote alternative nights. 

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As we entered the second half of the event, it’s safe to say we didn’t know what we were getting ourselves in for. We’d completed no research beforehand - poor form on our part or does it create an element of surprise? I’ll let you decide.

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Following an old school punk feel from ‘The Hiker’, ‘The Bourbon Massive’ were headlining with 

a different approach to music; a more modern version of punk with a political/social agenda and a hint of british humour.

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The Bourbon Massive are a group of charismatic lads, dressed in Hawaiian T Shirts, positively projecting everything wrong with the world… like poo-ing your pants or having to take the bins out. Some might say these are first world problems. Their outfits and lyrics were polar opposite to the stereotypical punk. 

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‘Poo-ey Holiday’, in the tune of ‘Summer Holiday’ by Cliff Richard, was a crowd pleaser, with multiple people agreeing they had also shat themselves on holiday. 

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(When I started with ‘Indie and a Show’, this is not what I thought I would be writing).

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The performance started with an intimate feel, as the lead singer stood in the middle of an ever growing crowd of people, curious about what was due to unfold. 

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They perfectly introduced each song with a story to give context such as, ‘there’s so much waste, why’s there so much waste, what happened to waste management, this is ridiculous.’, leading into their song about taking bins out. 

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In an attempt to be edgy, the lead singer gave their mic to an audience member, whilst they got a pint, who I believe was the promoter and in my opinion, the best part of the gig. 

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The Bourbon Massive were great at crowd interaction, but my jaw was on the floor for most of it;  impressed yet stunned at how they could get away with a performance which felt like a piss-take to music…

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But maybe I just don’t get it?

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The Bourbon Massive Contacts:

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thebourbonmassive@gmail.com

The Bourbon Massive LinkTree 


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If you’d like us to come to your gig/concert/festival, either contact us via submissions, reviews@iaasmusic.com or message me on instagram @musicwithmirii 

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