Reviewed onSaturday December 17
It was a week before Christmas, and the milestone wasn’t lost on Polish Club, who served up a rendition of festive queen Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ in their punchy, strident style during the last show on their first headline tour. While the room was busy belting out Carey’s track with smirks galore, Ginuwine’s ‘My Pony’ weaved its way through with gritty ferocity before singer/guitarist David Novak plummeted into Polish Club’s next romantic twist of the evening – a French-filled belter.
Ahead of the French and mid-’90s touches, Twin Fires had transported Newtown Social Club to America’s Deep South with a sonic wall of rolling guitars, hip-shaking percussion, harmonica and an American twang. The band’s appeal was clear after lead singer Ed Worland encouraged the crowd to lose their inhibitions and fill the front of the floor.
Like a bull at the gates, drummer John-Henry Pajak smashed out a crescendo of drums and Polish Club charged into view. The music still wasn’t fast enough for some, as a heckler started the night’s banter with, “Play a little faster you pussy!” But Novak delivered a premium return serve: “We’re building something here, we’ll get there together – get ready, unbutton your shirt…” before continuing coolly, “You want fast, you fucker?” and launching into the next tune.
With jams that would be stretched to hit three minutes, there’s no lack of interest in Polish Club’s loud, frantic repertoire. Thanks to Novak’s charisma, conviction and eye-rolling deliveries – not to mention that husky, whisky-tinged howl – and Pajak’s grinning, head-thrashing beats, the duo plays some good, old-fashioned rock that’s far from serious and full of fun.
Between swigs of Jameson, their beloved tracks ‘Beat Up’ and ‘Beeping’ and a steady stream of one-liners from Novak, he declared that Polish Club’s debut album is ready, and it’s “good, really good. So good.” After treating their hometown fans to new cuts from the record, they saw the night out writhing on the floor, with reverb wailing and punters in raptures. It won’t be the last time they go out that way.
