Originally written by Andy (quirk) Thomas · 12 July 2000
The Bull & Gate looks like a very presentable London pub when you enter the bar, no different from many others. But then you take a trip to "the other side" through some side doors and you are in encapsulated toilet circuit rock n' roll. Dusty sofas and wobbly tables strewn over a slightly sticky carpet with some ominous doors in one wall leading to the gig area. We're here to meet a band that have acquired somewhat of a residency in the venue, The Fighting Cocks. Comprising 5 members (4 present) the band have managed to play just about every venue in London, appear on local television, and strike a deal with RCA through the same A&R man who signed Take That. Their sound is very hard to describe, samples of everything from gabba to banghra are strategically placed over beats with guitars that are so overdriven they sound like revving engines. Then four vocals come on, singing, rapping, screaming, shouting... Oh and they dance in spontaneous shambolic stage routines. In toilet venues. Steps meet Digital Hardcore anyone?
Talking to the band is predictably hard, with each member looking out for the others against anything they consider out of order. All members have had experience of interviews before, three of them veterans of London's various glam punk pop scenes. It's hard to know if they're taking the piss or not a lot of the time. After getting off on totally the wrong foot by not buying them drinks (hey, what do you think this is? The NME?!) we're away.