Mancunian punk jazz trio Ask My Bull have been noted for their wild live performances and this didn’t disappoint either. If you want a raging saxophone through a talkbox and hyperactivity on stage, then you would be foolish not to get down to see them in their element. These guys bridge the gap from wind power to fire power; they channel an inner inferno that is summoned before the Seas of Mirth extinguish the flames. Molly Taylor on Alto Sax stands like Hestia, the Greek goddess of fire commanding her generals beside her to unleash an immortal force. Taylor comes armed with bubble guns and lays hellfire on us all. The scent of artificial bubbles is attractive, and suddenly I’m back amongst the halcyon days of being a child again, cavorting around bubbles waiting for them to pop.

Versatile genre-fusing Manchester three-piece Ask My Bull completely brought the ceiling down. Badass frontwoman Molly Taylor is the living proof that an alto saxophone goes with any potential music genre. Her talent of switching up multiple genres sounds from hard prog rock to raging punk and smooth jazz in just a few breaths was spectacular and did not go unnoticed by the audience. Tom Le Cocq’s violent bass reverb vibrated off Rough Trade’s walls with his electric sonic textures whilst Harry Summers hyperactive drumming kept up their set’s rapid tempo - a very hypnotic and memorable performance.

Whether it’s busking up a frenzy on the streets of Europe or organising and curating their own Not A Cult Festival, Ask My Bull have been causing a stir everywhere they turn. Sporting boisterous riffs, screeching guitars and screaming sax melodies, the selfstyled flamboyant jazz punk foursome have an undeniable energy which sweeps along even the most innocent of onlookers. Providing long, complex compositions, on first taste it is impossible for the listener to know where they are heading. 

With influences ranging from metal through to ska, via a quick stop off at Drum ‘n’ Bass Lane, an Ask My Bull set is a sonic journey best served head first.

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