“Anger is an energy” sang Public Image Limited on ‘Rise’ back in 1986, and in 2026 that sentiment still reigns supreme for Notts duo Sleaford Mods. With impassioned poetic lyrics containing a wickedly observational but humorous twist, set against a backdrop of heavy melodic electro beats, since they emerged in 2007 they’ve been putting the world to rights in their own unique way.
Recent album ‘The Demise Of Planet X’ has seen the duo incorporate more laidback grooves to great effect, and with thirteen albums to pull from for a setlist, they manage to scatter virtually the whole new album throughout the set and still find time to squeeze in plenty of crowd pleasing classics from the back catalogue too. Good to see that tonight’s packed Academy crowd comprises all ages, including families, students, and older gig goers alike, such is the universal appeal of Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn’s uncompromising take on the world.
Kicking off with ‘The Unwrap’ from the latest album, its calm grooves set against Jason’s lyrical angst is a perfect set opener. Next up ‘The Good Life’ with Gwendoline Christie and Big Special is astounding live, as is ‘T.C.R.’ which has the crowd chanting along to the chorus, its hefty beats propelling along the tale of a night out in the midst of family duties, with the pull of excess always lurking close by. Sleaford Mods have always had brilliant guest vocalists and although none of them are there in person tonight, the sampled vocals still keep the crowd bouncing along.
Throughout the set Jason can often be found side on to the audience, mic stand in hand, when he’s not flapping his arm above his head, or when he’s not balancing a pint on top of it either! Andrew always looks as if he’s having the best party in the world, controlling the beats and samples, dancing around on the left side of the stage whilst Jason patrols the right. It’s minimal but so effective, with the deep bass and rhythms bursting through the Academy sound system, giving the overall vibe of a warehouse rave in full flow, with thought provoking lyrics adding to the intensity.
‘Flood The Zone’ from the new album featuring Liam Bailey is another amazing yet more minimalist tune, and with its catchy repetitive refrains, it still manages to get the crowd dancing along, as does the brilliant ‘Mork And Mindy’ featuring Billy Nomates. What makes Sleaford Mods so appealing, is the lyrical everyday observances and situations which wind Jason up, are expressed with such rage and creativity, even though sometimes you’re not entirely sure what he’s on about, add into the mix the fact that it’s all backed by a stunning array of electro and rave beats, and it’s impossible not to feel the angst and relate to it in some way.
‘No Touch’ from ‘The Demise of Planet X’ finds melodic vocals in the chorus from Sue Tompkins against a back drop of thunderous beats and basslines, whereas ‘Force 10 Navarone’ from 2023’s UK Grim, with vocals courtesy of Florence Shaw from the band Dry Cleaning, is a hypnotic blast of a tune.
“It’s not all grim you know” announces Jason, as the electro pop refrains of Pet Shop Boys’ tune ‘West End Girls’ are unleashed, with the extra heavy bass and deep booming beats it’s a raved up brilliant cover which they truly turn into their own, Jason exclaiming “how much do you fuckin need!” in the chorus. ‘Jobseeker’ is a fired up blast of angst set against deep, pulsating basslines and beats, as is the anthemic ‘Tied Up In Nottz’. Ending the set with the menacing ‘Tweet Tweet Tweet’, The Academy is bouncing to the deep rumbling bass and lyrical flows of this exhilarating set. There may be a lot wrong with the world right now but at a Sleaford Mods gig, getting it all of your chest to rave induced powerful beats is the perfect remedy. Pure urban poetry and body shaking grooves combine for a brilliant set by Nottingham’s finest.
From the early days of creating handmade zines, in a DIY paper and glue style, interviewing bands around town, then pestering Piccadilly Records to sell them, to writing for various independent mags such as Chimp and Ablaze, writing about the music I love is still a great passion. After testing the music industry waters in London with stints at various labels, being back in my hometown again, writing about this city’s vibrant music scene is as exciting as ever. All time favourite bands include Sonic Youth, Nick Cave, Patti Smith although anything from electro to folk via blues and pysch rock will also do nicely too. A great album, is simply a great album, regardless of whatever musical cage you put it in.
