Review: Cud at The Portland Arms, Cambridge, supported by Yoke

No one could agree on how long it’s been since indie funksters Cud visited Cambridge but the general consensus at the Portland Arms last night was that it was too long.

As an old - in all senses - Cud fan I can confirm that their gigs are always a brilliant night out and hopefully their rapturous reception means they will be back to the city soon.

The Leeds band, who had a huge cult following in the 80s and 90s, arrived on the scene just before Britpop (Oasis et al) and could never be pigeonholed, being much more danceable and art school than later groups.

Last night (25 July) they kicked off with a storming rendition of Oh No Won’t Do, with its stand-out looping guitar that had the crowd dancing from the start and continued with favourite after favourite, including Neurotica, Strange kind of Love, Brain on a Slow Train, Purple Love Balloon and Through the Roof. The songs that got the biggest reactions were Only (a Prawn in Whitby) - the rumour that it’s about vegetarian Morrissey enjoying a sneaky fish dish lingers, even though it’s sadly untrue - as well as Hey, Boots, Robinson Crusoe (best song of the evening) and top 40 hit Rich and Strange.

Carl’s Puttnam’s voice, which ranges from crooning to operatic, was just as strong as ever. I came to the gig with two other long-time fans who all agreed he has lost none of his vocal power, unlike singers from some other ‘heritage’ bands. He’s an effortlessly talented singer and affable stage presence. Will Potter on bass managed to bounce around energetically all night despite the infernal heat - did someone forget to switch on the aircon? - Mike Dunphy (the songwriting talent behind many of their hits) was studious on guitars, although we did hear that his daughter had recently graduated from Cambridge, and Gogs Byrn on drums never flagged despite the rising temperature.

Cud attracts some devoted fans, some of whom had clearly travelled to the gig last night. ‘The Ledge’, who is their Bez-style dancer, joined them on stage as did one other man who sidled up to Carl to sneak a peck on his cheek. After a while he was gently led away.

However, probably to the band’s relief, there was no stage invasion tonight during the traditional post-punk encore song, I’ve Had it With Blondes. There really wasn’t room on the stage and no band wants their equipment trashed. Given the tiny but packed venue,Carl suggested we pretend they had left the stage and come back after much cheering. He didn’t need to worry - the crowd roared in approval.

Opening for Cud at The Portland Arms were Cambridge band Yoke, whose single Yeah is an absolute banger, extremely catchy and deserves more notice. Also on the same EP as Yeah is Tortoise, which has a great singalong chorus.

I tried to work out whom to compare them to. Sometimes they were a bit prog and noodly, other times they were pure indie rock with some lovely thrashy guitars. They also played the yet-to-be released Home, which I definitely need to hear again. They were very danceable and well received by the Cud crowd. Their singer, Keith, has an excellent growling voice and is capably supported on second vocals by bass player Ian Scalon.

Yoke are playing again soon on 13 September at Blue Moon, Cambridge, with Sunday Driver and NEEV. Tickets £5.