Dream Nails + Argonaut
+ The Ethical Debating Society
Veg Bar, London SW2

4 stars

LOUD, proud and angry, these feminist women make music for a packed — and mixed — audience who love every minute of this Veg Bar gig.

Dream Nails, activists who formed their band only three months ago, are self-proclaimed “punk witches from hell” and seeing their third gig is like witnessing history in the making.

“These are not songs but hexes,” says lead singer Janey and they certainly bewitch, overcoming a poor PA to wow the crowd with a glorious riot-grrrl set.

Guitarist Anya is on fire and Emmett and Judith maintain a perfect rhythm platform for Janey to show vocal anger and passion in a set that includes Vagina Police, Not abt U, DIY, Joke Choke, Bully Girl and the superbly catchy and danceable Deep Heat.

With no stage, the bands are right up close, in and among the audience and nothing suits Argonaut better.

New drummer Omz is a revelation, gelling neatly with Joules to power a great performance that sees Abby and Lorna clearly enjoying the moment.

Layered with intricate keyboards and guitars, the sound is a soundscape for Lorna to embellish. Lost in the moment, she dances, shakes and jumps while still singing perfectly.

Touch Electric, Seven, Owners and Vintage Dress, drawn from their two albums, are stand-outs in what’s a classic show.

The unique Ethical Debating Society are informed by a DIY sensibility that says “anyone can do this” and they even get an audience member up to have a go with them.

They’re scary, not just because it’s Hallowe’en but for the rare intensity of the two-guitar aural assault by Tegan and Kris.

Their yelled, call-and-response vocals blur the lyrical content in the heartburn of the sound but a set drawn from their New Sense album showcases their glorious riot pop perfectly.

Their blasts of Oh Bondage and Up Yours at the end is a perfect nod to previous generations who blazed this trail.

If Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna had come down to the Veg Bar she would have been proud of what these amazing women are doing.

Bob Oram