Killing Me Loudly
By Anja Petitto
Hotly tipped to be the next big thing out of Hastings comes the local legends, ‘Murderers Are Optimists.’ They formed in 2020 during the pandemic, which gave them the time to perfect their songwriting craft but little opportunity for live performances. In fact, their first ever live show was a headline at the Crypt in December 2021. Ever since then they’ve been blowing the bloody doors off at local venues, such as The Albion, and become a regular fixture on the South Coast alternative and punk and hardcore scene. And, in almost no time at all, they have garnered a serious following for their highly energetic and splenetic punk rock shows.
Joe Gonzo and Paul Sunshine
The front man, Paul Sunshine, has perfected a sort of menacing-poet, in a Mulberry scarf, persona. Their latest single, Criminals – featuring Jack Wilson of Kid Kapichi – received plenty of support from BBC Radio 1, and their new single Air Crash Investigation will be out on 9 December, this year. Just in time for their upcoming show on 10 December. This gig, at The Piper, is their last one for the year and it’s going to be a banger, playing one of their favourite venues, with two excellent local support bands, ‘Sunday Club’ and ‘Paris Blue,’ so make sure you get down early. You don’t want to miss them!
Anyone who was witness to their show at the De La Warr Pavilion, supporting Kid Kapichi, at their sold-out album launch earlier this year, will be able to confirm that these lads are more than ready for the big stage, with blistering guitar solos, loads of energy and Joe Gonzo stomping around the stage like he owns the gaff.
This is a band having the time of their life, and as they say, “we don’t take ourselves too seriously, but if you’re gonna do it, you got to do it properly”. Or, to borrow another murderous lyric, “you’ve got to live while you’re alive.” I’ll see you down in the pit then!
• Tickets for the gig are available at www.thepiper.club
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