GIG REVIEW: The Downstrokes + The Longshots + Ducter @ The Doll at the Black Bull, Gateshead, Friday 31 May, 2026
The Downstrokes might be a cornerstone of their local punk scene back home in the panhandle of the USA, but they’re an unknown quantity here in North East England, and indeed Britain as a whole.
The four-piece are hoping to change that on their first UK tour, showcasing a sound encompassing everything from ’60s garage rock and late ’70s punk to early ’80s US hardcore. There’s plenty of melody but lots of bite too.
Based in Frostburg, Western Maryland, they’ve all been around the block, with frontman Gerry La Femina’s band history dating back to the mid-80s, but they play with the enthusiasm of a bunch of 20-somethings.
Formed in 2015, they debuted with their first record New York Girl three years later, quickly drawing comparisons with the likes of Adolescents and The Replacements.
They’re four albums deep now, with their latest, The Furious Hours, released a couple of months ago on Rotten Princess Records. Check it out on Bandcamp HERE.
La Femina, pictured top, is the focal point, but he’s perfectly complemented by Robin on guitar, Clint on drums, and a guest bassist, who’s standing for regular four-stringer Greg on this tour. He’s only been with them a month, but the band are so tight knit you really can’t tell.
The Downstrokes quickly have the crowd onside with songs like (Right Turn) Wrong Way Again and Let’s Make Some Noise, both from the latest album. They dip into their back catalogue for cuts like UFO Baby from their third album and New York Girl, the title track of their first, but it’s the new songs which hit hardest.
Bar Girl Is A Punk, Frequent Flyer and No More Nights slip down a treat, before they close with a run of older songs, ending with Gratitude, from 2021’s second long-player Unsafe At Any Speed. The crowd are up for more, and want an encore, but the guys are done. I guess you can only rehearse so much with a stand-in on board.
No review would be complete without a mention for the other bands on the bill. Tonight’s openers were Ducter, who come from Stockton, an hour or so down the road. They’re completely new to me, but seem to have brought a decent following, and their unusual blend of math-rock, post-punk and hardcore is an intriguing mix, with the howling slice of hardcore which they closed with a real highlight. Check them out on Bandcamp HERE.
Second up were The Longshots, another new-to-me name. It turns out they’re from Stockport and recently reformed from the ashes of a band which broke up 25 years ago, keen to offer something new and fresh.
Their power-pop sound might sound a bit retro, but their original songs are hugely enjoyable, and I’d recommend them if you like The Jam and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Frontman Colin manages to sing with a broken arm in a sling after a recent motorbike accident, though he’s unable to play guitar, otherwise I’d imagine they usually pack even more of a punch.
The Longshots released a nine-track album, Nine Lives, last year, and it made up the bulk of their set, but they’ve already moved on, and included a handful of new songs in their set. They released a new single, You’re Not Alone, a couple of weeks ago. Check it out on their Facebook page HERE.
The Downstrokes reminded us how lucky we are to have a punk rock pub like this, as their local venue recently closed. Their first EP invited us to Fall In Love With Punk Rock Again. Taking a punt on gigs like this (£8 on the door for three bands) goes a long way towards that.
Other punk-adjacent gigs nearby may have affected the attendance, but it’s not a bad turnout all things considered. All three bands gave it their all and there’s a great vibe all night, so credit to Shev, mine host at the Bull, for continuing to bring new bands to the North East. Remember what The Downstrokes said though – use it or lose it, folks.
