LIVE FROM THE PIT: Skating Polly and Lord Friday The 13th

Monday evening might not be everyone's first choice for a punk gig, but SKATING POLLY and LORD FRIDAY THE 13TH certainly made the most of it. Both bands brought something different to Cardiff's Clwb Ifor Bach on 12th October, from unexpected outfit changes to musicians swapping instruments mid-set. The crowd took a little while to warm up, but there was plenty happening onstage to keep everyone entertained.

First up were LORD FRIDAY THE 13TH, a theatrical punk band from Austin, Texas. Their performance was difficult to predict, and that was part of the fun. Frontman Felix Lenz seemed determined to make every song entertaining, jumping around the stage, dropping to his knees, and even lying on his back while performing. With a noticeable gap between the stage and the audience, Felix Lenz eventually decided to make use of it himself, stepping off the stage and continuing his antics on the floor. Most people seemed happy to watch from a distance, although a few were dancing along.

Then there were the outfit changes. Throughout the set, Felix Lenz went through several different looks, although most of these involved removing another layer of clothing rather than putting something new on. By the end, there wasn't much left to remove. It was ridiculous in the best possible way and fitted the band's playful approach perfectly. The music was just as lively. Their drummer barely seemed to get a break, working through one fast-paced song after another, while 'Big Mac' added even more silliness to the performance. The audience wasn't particularly wild, but the band didn't let that stop them from putting on an entertaining show.

After a short changeover, it was time for SKATING POLLY. Formed in Oklahoma in 2009, the trio consists of stepsisters Kelli Mayo and Peyton Bighorse, alongside Kurtis Mayo. Their self-described 'Ugly Pop' combines punk, grunge and alternative rock with melodies that can be surprisingly gentle compared to the heavier parts of their songs. There was no dramatic entrance. Once everything was ready, they simply started playing, and the energy picked up almost immediately. Kelli Mayo, with her bright pink hair, was especially fun to watch. She spent much of the set jumping, kicking and moving around the stage, barely staying still for long.

One of the first things the band noticed was the remaining space between themselves and the audience. The crowd had already moved closer compared to the support set, but there was still a gap, despite Clwb Ifor Bach having no barriers in front of the stage. The band joked about awarding a medal of bravery to anyone willing to come forward, which helped encourage people to move a little closer.

What really stood out, however, was how easily the members switched instruments. Guitar, bass and drums were passed between them throughout the performance, and each seemed equally comfortable taking on a different role. Peyton Bighorse, who initially appeared a little more reserved, seemed particularly at home behind the drums. It was impressive to watch, especially alongside the constant movement and energy of Kelli Mayo.

The set moved between fast, chaotic songs and slower, more melodic moments. Tracks including 'Hickey King' and 'Little Girl Blue and the Battle Envy' were featured alongside plenty of heavier material. The quieter sections were a welcome change of pace, giving the audience a moment to appreciate another side of the band's music before things picked up again. Between songs, the trio chatted with the crowd, sharing stories and expressing how happy they were to be back in Wales. They even tried to find someone they remembered from a previous gig, although without much success.

Another surprise came when Felix Lenz from LORD FRIDAY THE 13TH joined them onstage, bringing some of the opening band's chaos back for a brief moment. As the night went on, the audience gradually became more comfortable. There were no mosh pits or particularly wild moments in the crowd, but more people were dancing, and the cheers between songs grew louder. By the end, the audience was enthusiastic enough to call for an encore, and SKATING POLLY returned for one final song.

Both bands made a strong impression for different reasons. LORD FRIDAY THE 13TH were wonderfully unpredictable, while SKATING POLLY showed just how much three talented musicians could do on a small stage. Cardiff might have needed a little encouragement at first, but it turned into a fun Monday night.

Words and Photos: Klaudia Skalska