Can there be such a thing as a good punk rock cover band?
I didn't think so.
Well, given that Central and Eastern Europe suffered under not just communism, but the undue influence of bad American heavy metal, it's not hard to imagine that such a thing as punk rock cover bands could have some appeal and significance here.
So it is with curiousity and scepticism that I found myself on a boat on the Danube (sounds more fancy that it is - but it IS hella cool to say, I admit) to hear not one but two punk rock cover bands. I actually liked the first band. I think cos the guitarist was really wasted and there was a hot girl on the Casio. And they played some nu roq punk stuff that reminded me of the best of KROQ circa 1983. The second one, Lopunk, however, featured a sociology professor. That added alure for half my friends, and left me ready to mock. Thankfully, they did not disappoint. I'm not sure what the line is between heartfelt youthful enthusiasm among adults and mid life crisis, but this guy had all the symptoms of the latter. Part way through the set, he reached into the plastic Gap bag he brought on stage with him and whipped out a studded black leather belt that he proceeded to put on. Punk as fuck, I say.
He wore sunglasses. At night. On a boat. With jeans and a blazer. Like a Robert Palmer / Corey Hart tribute band.
Did I mention the Gap bag???!
Anyhow, I got my comupance because after leaving the boat I tripped on a ginormous iron hook in the sidewalk and took a major tumble (for ya). The gods are clearly on the side of bad fashion.
