Music Spotlight: Troops of Mafeking march into The Box after brief break out

Mar 9 2011 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

Awesome grunge rock outfit Troops of Mafeking return to headline an explosive show at The Box on Friday.

Back after a brief hiatus from Crewe’s alternative music venue, the Alsager-based four-piece arrive to showcase their stunning new material.

Arguably the best local band to have emerged out of The Box over the past three years, Samuel Woolley, Josh Jones (drums), Sam Brugger (bass) and Scott Hancock (guitar) have certainly left their mark on the place.

The Troops unleash the kind of musical soundscape that leaves your body jerking and mind reeling at the possibilities.

Their hard-riffing free-wheeling rock is a full-on ballsy overdose of captivating metal hooks and bass-driven energy.

And how more essential could this band be in these dark days of callow pop and insipid indie?

An easy accomplished edge brings to mind Queens Of The Stone Age or The Foo Fighters.

But they pack the kind of emotional punch that only hard-hitting English rock can deliver.

Well-observed songwriting lifts them head and shoulders above your average Nirvana wannabe into the realms of something new and vital like a gritty British version of Eagles of Death Metal.

With Cheshire and Staffordshire already won over, The Troops have been working to take the capital.

“We played down at Cargo on a good club night a couple of weeks ago,” explained frontman Sam.

“We got offered the gig after our last one in London and we’ve been offered some more dates at venues there in April and May.

“It costs us a bit to travel but it’s well worth the exposure.

“I think it’s different down there, there’s more trendy types and the bands seem to be either indie or far-out.

“It looks like there are only a handful doing what we’re doing and that’s got to be good for us.”

While classic anthems like Bill Murray remain in their set, The Troops will debut more new tunes at The Box.

“I think the new songs have fitted in well,” continued Sam.

“It’s still grunge; we’ve got some indie in there and some catchy tracks, but it’s still us.

“We haven’t sold out and they seem to be working judging from the reaction.

“One’s called Disco and Captain Cashmere is getting a hell of a lot of listens.”

Despite their long-standing association with both Volume and The Box, the Troops still relish their dates down Pedley Street.

“It’s always a different experience down at The Box,” added Sam.

“We look forward to every time we play there and we always seem to meet new people that like our stuff which is what it’s all about.”

Crewe’s indie-electro trio Sumo Kings are also back along with Dimension and Stoke outfit The Get Alongs.

Tickets are £5 and doors open at 8pm. For more details visit www.theboxcrewe.co.uk