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Pink Grease

Bill Cummings 28/05/2004

Remember the 1970s? No? Well do you remember glam-rock then? Well think sleazy glam-rock of the New York Dolls and then think the characters from Rocky Horror Picture Show. Then add in a dash of the new wave sound of the B52's and there you have it: the sound of Leeds band Pink Grease. Witnessing the Grease on stage is like witnessing a kinetic drug-addled freak-show, and it's certainly more entertaining than many a band around. All members of the band have their distinct characters: there's the crazy antics of the white-coated Lewarne on vocals, flanked by Steve Santacruz's guitar shapes and Stuart Faulkner, in tiny pink pants, on bass.

The band set off on a frenetic pace, with tracks like the rocking "Fever" and the sax-driven "Pink G.R.E.A.S.E" accompanied by shouts from the increasingly mental Faulkner who attempts to write on the floor during various moments of the set. But it is Lewarne who is the most affecting watch: all white hair and shouting vocals he proceeds to mount members of the audience and engages in head-shaking antics in the front row during "Lou Reed". Pink Grease are more than just glam-rock show ponies like some bands. John Lynch on sax, guitar and synth, adds an important electro drive to their sound, driving Pink Grease's shambolic rock 'n' roll sound.