Welsh post-hardcore/noise instigators Mclusky paid a loud and bracing visit to the Crocodile Thursday evening, much to the rowdy delight of a beyond capacity crowd. It was my first time seeing the band live and, based upon their recorded work, my expectations were high. To say that I was impressed by their performance would be an understatement. I was unaware of this band until hearing David Yow of the Jesus Lizard mention them not all that long ago as one of his favorite artists. I took note of his accolades at the time and was excited last year to hear that Mclusky was planning a rare visit to the states in 2026. Having now experienced that band in the flesh, Yow’s nod makes complete sense. Mclusky inhabits a similar space as the Jesus Lizard, delivering intense, compact sonic blasts that provide a vehicle for cynical yet humorous lyrics that convey a dark view of humanity and our rather dismal current state of affairs. Frontman Andrew Falkous shares with Yow the ability to transition from incisive (if exasperated) lyrical content to wordless, howling angst and rage at the drop of a hat. I would also think that Mclusky would find traction with fans of similarly noisy and anarchic bands such as Fugazi, Big Black, and Shellac.

Mclusky’s Crocodile appearance proved once again that a worthy band can develop a large and devoted following without much in the way of radio airplay and/or mainstream advertising. I’ve seen a lot of shows at the Crocodile, many of them purported to be sellouts. Be that as it may, there seemed to be half again as many fans packed into the club Thursday night as I’ve witnessed at any other gig. Lead singer and guitarist Falkous cuts an unique figure with his large, over the ear headphones. He suffers from tinnitus and, catching his band at full roar, one can understand how his affliction came to be. Bass player Damien Sayell is a kinetic wonder, wielding his instrument like an axe and spinning about while never losing the plot and somehow managing to pitch in on vocals. Jack Egglestone on drums is every bit the equal of his bandmates, driving the tempo at a brutal pace. The overall impact of the trio is tremendously exciting and satisfying.

Mclusky was ably supported by Ekko Astral, a relatively new pop-punk/noise outfit out of Washington DC. They highlighted material from their 2024 ‘Pink Balloons’ which was selected by Pitchfork as Album of the Year.