Our Guide to WonkFest

By Samarth Kanal

Sure, there are some huge festivals taking place this summer, but we’re getting close to the 26th of July. And that means one thing: Fifteen bands are going to descend on a London pub for this year’s Wonkfest. So, here’s a preview of the all-dayer at The Grosvenor Pub, Stockwell.

WACO: This London-based punk rock foursome combine searing vocals with shout-along lyrics, and they have the makings for a really fun live show. Should be fast-paced and energetic, providing a really great start to the day from 1pm.

Billy Liar: Billy is an acoustic Edinburgher who sings with soul and never fails to tell a story. He draws from a bunch of influences from folk, country, and punk, promising to deliver more than a few infectious – this isn’t any old acoustic snooze-fest.

Voodoo Binmen: These two noisy, loud-as-all hell punks never fail to leave a stage sweaty and exhausted. Expect unrelenting feedback, thoroughly thrashed drums and fuzzy guitars. It’s punk rock, but with a good measure of grunge and surf-rock thrown in too.

Maid of Ace: Four ladies from Hastings are determined to cause an absolute racket at WonkFest, and they’ve played their old-school punk rock with the likes of The Buzzcocks and The Adolescents, so expect some solid, frenzied fun from the Maids.

Jakal: Adding some ska-punk into the mix and a healthy dose of hardcore, these Londoners are promising to get rowdy and inject some more energy into the WonkFest crowd.

The Restarts: Prolific punks from Hackney still supporting the DIY scene and playing smaller venues, these three veterans are bringing their frustrated, thrashing sound to Stockwell. Their noisy, potent energy will be more than welcome.

The Reverends: More old-school punk, managing to be infectious and accessible, The Reverends are no strangers to WonkFest and with good reason. They’re coming all the way down from Derby with upbeat punk music that proves to be entertaining each and every time.

The Kimberly Steaks: Fast-paced, Scottish pop-punk with absolutely no waffling – the Steaks have just released a brilliant LP and are great live – they never fail to keep the tempo up in front of a crowd.

Midway Still: Distinctive nineties-tinged pop-punk from London – might be a blast from the past for some. Either way their set is guaranteed to end up being a blast.

Revenge of The Psychotronic Man: These guys are like Kid Dynamite and Zeke, which is to say that they’ll be playing blisteringly quick punk rock with no breaks in play.

Meansteed: Hard-rock in the vein of AC/DC but still heavy and at times, tongue-in-cheek. Meansteed will be a highlight for those missing their daily dose of metal.

Southport: Ex-Snuff guitarist, Simon Wells and his band of mod-rockers play distorted and distinctive punk, chock-full of vocal harmonies and guaranteed shout-along songs.

The Murderburgers: The flag-bearer of Scottish punk rock right now, The Murderburgers (now on Asian Man Records) are off to play Fest in October with their endearing, often self-deprecating and humorous pop-punk. We’re lucky to have them stop off in London to play a set.

Wonk Unit: This all-dayer is very much eponymous – Wonk Unit are headlining it with punk rock that’s completely unique. At times it manages to be tongue-in-cheek, yet containing a serious subtext. WonkFest will end with some solid headliners playing some of the most infectious punk music in the country.

“I am Alex Johnson, Mr Wonky, formerly of The Flying Medallions. I am a plasterer, bricklayer, recovering alcoholic,skateboarder, writer and punk rock silly chap. I also do rubbish drawings which I put on T shirts a lot!.” Wonkfest takes place on Alex’s birthday as well, so bring something for the buffet or contribute to one of the many bands playing on the day!

“The Wonk crowd is friendly, totally unpretentious, diverse, super sexy and brilliant”, according to Alex.

“Everyone brings a plate of delicious food for the buffet table and everyone smiles. Everyone is your friend. It’s a lovely happy day. It’s non political and you’ll get to watch the best punk in the country. Not the same old same old shit that the punk rock PR establishment would have you believe is the creme de la creme of uk punk.”

The above description is more than apt for such an inclusive, diverse day out that’s held together by a collective love of punk rock. And a buffet. Finally, the host (and birthday boy) gave us his take on each band set to take the stage.

“Every band is sick! The Kimberly steaks’ new album is so rad. Perfect pop punk. None of that cheesey shit. The Murderburgers are true Wonkers. Fraser derserves all the rad shit happening with them right now. The Voodoo’s set is pure crafted class! Meansteed are gods! Revenge are the party! Restarts give me goosebumps with their drone attack. Jakal are London, Wonk are cocks, Southport are the soul suppliers, The Reverends are jailbirds, the secret headliners are wonderful. Billy liar is very silly! I love him. Waco are new sexy bucks. The Maids are doing it for the girls. All are brilliant!!!”

For more about WonkFest check out the official Facebook event.