Are you ready to hear Dirty Old Town like it's never been played before? Punk style? Incredibly, the Ewan MacColl Salford folk classic actually works as a thrashy anthem, kind of capturing the angst of the lyrics.
Welcome to Salford's, Benefit State, that carry the vibe of punk but insist they're not angry a la Crass or Discharge... "We're not motivated that way" says singer Mark Nighty "We're like mainstream punk, we do stuff about cake and Salford girls and play songs about everyday life."
Indeed, the band's last drummer was sacked for being "too angry", while songs are centred on getting the run around by girls on Bexley Square, dodgy cars and that love for cake, with added doughnuts. And Benefit State's last album in punk style DIY limited edition was called Let Them Eat Cake and sold out.
Crisp and note perfect, Benefit State have been together for two and a half years, the four piece band an amalgam of musicians who have been on the live punk circuit in various guised combos for a long time. Mark says the band attracts an audience of those who witnessed the original genre, plus youngsters who weren't even a twinkle in Johnny Rotten's sex pistol back in the day.
"There's punk on all the time, something every week" he explains "It is all do it yourself, there's no promoters except for name bands who are doing it for the money."
That certainly doesn't include Benefit State who line up for The Sounds of Salford Radio's Live Charity Night on December 18th... "It's not just a punk night" Mark says "There's lots of other bands too and it should be a good night..."
Indeed, playing alongside Benefit State is the incredible Chris Flynn, who captures the sights, sounds and characters of proper Salford in his songs; The Ascension, a Salford/Macclesfield duo who do tasty political lyrics set to electro beats; Salford's The Things; Salford poet Jimmy Twamley, the TNT Experience DJs, plus The Sounds of Salford radio presenters Coey, Shazza, Ian Cullen and Simon Williams
"We decided to get a do together to bring people's attention to the great causes, St Ann's Hospice and Shelter for Soldiers, that are out there in Salford and do great work" says Simon Williams, who runs The Sounds of Salford Radio "The whole night will be filmed and it's sure to get Christmas off to a cracking start.
"We also have some brilliant raffle prizes, including a Roland organ donated by the Brooklyn Foundation, a hair cut by celebrity stylist Frank Bisson, signed football shirts, and a shirt worn by Man United's Di Maria. It's sure to be a great night..."
And, after a few pints and some glasses of WKD, everyone will be singing along to Benefit State's punk version of Dirty Old Town...
The Sounds of Salford Live Music Night
Sponsored by Candy Skull Tattoo
Friday 18th December
The Old Pint Pot pub, The Crescent M3 6EN
Tickets £5 available via The Sounds of Salford Charity Night Facebook page click here
To hear an early version of Benefit State's Dirty Old Town on YouTube click here
To hear more tracks click here
For more info see Facebook page Benefit Sate - click here
Or www.benefitstate.co.uk
See The Ascension on Facebook click here
See previous Salford Star article on Chris Flynn click here
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