Bridgend, Wales through San Sebastion, Spain.
It's been a number of days since we logged our adventures, so I'll try to keep this one as brief as possible. On the night of the 5th, we played a sweet show that our friend Rich put on for us. Loading into the show was a two story nightmare, but that bar we were playing in, Hobo's, was super sweet. There were a bunch of people in attendance and our friend Yogi's band, Question the Mark, really fucking ripped.
Big thanks go out to Rich, not only did he house us, feed us, booze us, and do the show for us, he had a spare car stereo in his office that he donated to the Astpai van, Falcor. Check out his record label here. Fuck YES!
The next day we were in Portsmouth, England, playing a cozy little spot called the Edge of the Wedge. We were hosted by Tim and El Morgan from Southsea DIY and the show itself was a fucking ripper. Good turnout, motivated people, and excellent vegan beans and sausage. Congratulations again to Tim and El on their engagement! You both rule.
After our show in Portsmouth we had the entire day to lounge about since our ferry ride was booked for 3AM the next morning. We spent the day searching for our lost Sat Nav (left in the venue), watching movies (Batman Begins), sleeping (hungover), and cooking an epic tour meal with our buddy Tom from Attack! Vipers! All in all, when we boarded the ferry, witnessed the sunrise on the English Channel, and headed for the coast of France, we were all stoked about our stay in the United Kingdom.
Our first show back in France, and first time for us, was an acoustic outing at an amazing bar cafe called Hijack in Boulogne Sur Mer. We were hosted by a great guy named Nico and the show itself went over awesomely. Really good turnout and a lot of good conversation, even with our glaring ignorance of the French language. "Thank you for this wonderful game of fives."
The next night was one of the best shows of the tour. We played in Nantes at La Scene Michelet with the amazing Nine Eleven. If you haven't heard of this band yet, check them out right now. Amazing records and an even more inspiring live performance. The turnout was great and the club's sound was huge, so all the bands sounded fucking ace. Thanks to Joris for taking such great care and hosting us at his place afterwards.
Last night was our second of three acoustic shows on the tour and we played in a ritzy wine bar. We met the promoter, Steve, upon arrival to La Rochelle and he took us under his wing immediately. We visited his flat, on a Venice-like street two blocks from the beautiful harbor of La Rochelle. Shortly after we took a brief walking tour of the city, staring like the tourists that we are at the constructive beauty of the downtown. One of the prettiest cities we've been to all tour.
The show itself was fun and it paired with a birthday party for Steve's friend. We all sipped "Eyes Wine Shut", ate delicious vegan sandwiches on French baguettes, and felt just a little to tour-grimy to be in such a nice wine bar.
The next night we played full band sets at Le Barbarella in La Rochelle. The bar was pretty tiny, but the attendees were fucking stoked to have us and Astpai for the evening. Huge thanks to Steve for hosting us and providing one of the most delicious pre-show vegan buffets in modern memory.
After La Rochelle, we crossed the border of France into the Basque Country region of Spain. We played a super rad club called the Mogambo. The weather was pretty dreary, but we were all excited to be in Spain for the first time. A fair amount of people turned out and people were definitely stoked on the show. The sleeping place was the bar, so needless to say we set to DJ-ing, drinking kalimotxo, and fine wines until the wee hours of the morning.
After being awoken by a rambunctious Pete Pie, we spent some at the closest beach and generally admired the natural beauty of the Basque Country coastline. Hell to the yeah.
Typing this from the backstage of La Dynamo in Toulouse, France. Set to play at around midnight for a punk rock roller derby benefit.
12 shows left on this European tour. Onward!
<3 One Win Choice
