Right Direction, coming from Holland, switches easily from New York styled hardcore to British Oi! influenced anthems and there are even some unmistakable seventies punk influences to hear in their songs. That makes them a lot more interesting than most of their overseas counterparts.

During the first couple of songs the band seems to be on autopilot but after the positive reactions from the crowd they gain confidence. Soon they`re in it and show that they`re one of the best hardcore bands in Europe. Tight, powerful and in your face. The somewhat reserved crowd makes their appreciation known mainly by voice.

There is a pit, but not as big as at a usual Right Direction gig. Most people clearly dropped by to see Slapshot. From the very beginning till the very end the fans are slamdancing, stagediving and singing along.

Slapshot
Slapshot, and especially singer Jack Kelly, has been part of the international hardcore scene for years. To illustrate that, Jack Kelly comes on aided by a roady.

But the self declared old man still knows how to entertain a crowd, always a smile on his face and always having fun. The softdrink Chocomel seems his main reason to visit Holland every tour. He drinks a pretty few cans each gig over here. And while most of the older bands seem to get lame, Slapshot goes to the max even after all these years.

A lot of movement on stage, a lot of songs and no long interruptions. Having released a Best Of- album with re-recordings of all their classics, Amsterdam gets the expected Best Of- show. Highlight is the instant classic ‘Hang Up Your Boots’.

That chorus needs to be sung by a big crowd at the top of their voices and, as you would expect, it was.

(Review: Walter de Korver
Pics: Sebastien Sam)