For someone too young to witness the birth of Punk, I may have just experienced it today. Healthy Junkies live feels like being pulled into a world that’s part chaos, part surreal storytelling - like watching the Pixies at their wildest. From the moment they hit the stage, frontwoman Nina Courson commands attention with an intensity that swings from manic to hypnotic, each lyric spilling out like a closely guarded secret.

'Self Conscious' had the packed room on edge, blending melodic unease with raw power as Nina’s voice shifted from a snarl to an eerie calm. In the smoky venue, every riff seemed to fill the air. 'Desire' fused Sabbath’s darkness with U2’s grandiosity, but it was the scorching 'This is Not a Suicide' that had the crowd singing along in a frenzy, Nina’s voice soaring over thundering guitars, each riff feeling like it had been inhaled. The band’s tight rhythm section added a vital layer of energy, driving the momentum and locking in perfectly with the chaos of the performance.

As the night unfolded, I realised that this 229 gig was part of Reptile, the long-running alternative club night. For a moment, I even thought Reptile might be the headline act itself, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of intensity and unity. The venue’s intimate atmosphere amplified the band’s chaotic magic, blending Punk’s rawness with a surreal intensity that held the crowd captive until Phil Honey-Jones's final chord. Even a bearded guy posted at the door seemed to provide an extra layer of security, a reminder of the raw energy of the night. On the way home, celebrating Matt O' Riley's winning goal, I found myself singing 'Hey Mickey' on the night tube home, still buzzing from a night that felt like a living memory.

Ivan De Mello