Getdown Services, the dynamic Minehead duo comprising Ben Sadler and Josh Law, have carved a distinctive niche in the contemporary music landscape, provocatively claiming the self-styled moniker of "Britain’s Best Band™." This tongue-in-cheek assertion is underpinned by a performance style that is as raw and visceral as it is memorable, characterized by chaotic live shows where Sadler and Law embrace an uninhibited ethos, often stripping off, getting intensely sweaty, and, in their own words, "going mental." Yet, beneath this veneer of controlled chaos lies a profound musical journey, particularly for guitarist Josh Law, whose evolving relationship with his instrument offers a compelling narrative of artistic adaptation and unexpected influences.
The band’s rise to prominence is intrinsically linked to their live spectacle. Far from the polished, meticulously choreographed performances of mainstream acts, Getdown Services delivers an experience that is both unpredictable and intensely engaging. Audiences are not merely observers but active participants in a cathartic release of energy. This theatricality, however, is not a mere gimmick; it is an extension of their artistic philosophy. When the intensity of these performances reaches its zenith, when the atmosphere demands a further escalation of raucous energy, Law instinctively turns to his guitar. He describes this act as "lightsabering" the audience, unleashing a torrent of "monster riffs and frenetic solos." It is a declaration of musical intent, a powerful surge of sonic energy designed to electrify the crowd, as he succinctly puts it, "when you want to rock out, there’s no better tool for the job."
The Evolution of a Performer: From Reluctance to Reverence
The current spectacle of Josh Law wielding his guitar as a weapon of sonic assault stands in stark contrast to the initial vision for Getdown Services. In a revealing interview for the "My Guitars & Me" series, Law admitted a surprising early ambition: "When we started the band, one of the things I wanted to do was not play guitar." This candid confession highlights an interesting chronology in the band’s development. The early iterations of Getdown Services were, by Law’s account, more restrained, focusing on "crooning and stuff." The wild, unhinged energy that has become their trademark was an organic, almost accidental evolution.
The transition from a more subdued approach to their now-legendary feral live shows was gradual but decisive. "The shows started getting a bit raucous but that wasn’t really the intention," Law explains. "And then it kind of went a bit chaotic and we started going insane on stage." This spontaneous shift underscores a critical aspect of Getdown Services’ authenticity – their refusal to adhere to a predetermined script, allowing the energy of the moment and the audience interaction to dictate the flow of their performances. For several years, Law resisted the urge to integrate his primary instrument into the band’s core sound. It was only after approximately "three or four years into the band" that he had an epiphany: "I was like, ‘Ah, I should probably play guitar, ’cause I can actually play that one.’" This realization was born from a pragmatic assessment of his own strengths amidst the growing chaos of their shows. While humbly asserting, "I can’t sing or really dance or do anything really. But guitar I can play a bit," Law recognized the guitar’s unparalleled capacity to amplify and channel the escalating energy of their performances. "If you get to a point in the set where the crowd are loosened up. They’re all going mental. We’re going mental. Everyone’s sweaty. If you pick the guitar up, it’s another way of beaming energy out." This perspective transformed the guitar from an optional accessory to an indispensable conduit for their explosive live presence.
Beyond the Stage Persona: A Musician’s Diverse Influences
While Law’s on-stage persona is defined by its raw, unhinged intensity, his off-stage guitar playing reveals a far more nuanced and intricate musicality. The "My Guitars & Me" episode provides a rare glimpse into this less bombastic side, showcasing a musician deeply rooted in classic rock traditions and modern indie sensibilities. Law’s admiration for artists like Jack White is evident, reflecting a shared appreciation for blues-infused, raw, and often experimental guitar work that transcends conventional genre boundaries. White’s distinctive blend of garage rock grit, punk energy, and delta blues influence resonates with Law’s own approach to crafting impactful, memorable riffs that can both anchor and elevate Getdown Services’ sound. This appreciation for classic rock, too, grounds his playing in a rich heritage of guitar-driven music, suggesting a deep understanding of foundational rock structures and melodic sensibilities, even when filtered through the band’s anarchic lens.
However, the most intriguing revelation regarding Law’s technique comes from an unexpected source: the banjo. In a testament to serendipity and the transformative power of unconventional learning, Law’s distinct right-hand technique on guitar developed as a direct result of a pandemic-era dalliance with the five-string instrument. "Covid came, and I wanted a new thing to learn," he recounted. "And I wanted to get an instrument where I was like, ‘I’m actually going to practice this.’ So, I picked up the banjo." This seemingly tangential pursuit proved to be a catalyst for his guitar playing, creating a unique cross-pollination of techniques.
The Banjo Effect: A Catalyst for Guitar Innovation
The banjo, particularly in its Scruggs-style or clawhammer iterations, relies heavily on complex fingerpicking patterns and a distinct rhythmic approach that differs significantly from standard guitar strumming or flatpicking. Law’s immersion in this new instrument led him to actively avoid mimicking guitar techniques on the banjo, instead embracing its unique methodologies. "I tried to not get in the habit playing the banjo like a guitar. I tried to pick up new techniques," he explained. This commitment to authentic banjo playing had a profound and unforeseen impact on his guitar skills. "It really jumped my guitar playing forward ’cause I could do the roving thumb thing. And I tried to pick up new techniques and it’s it’s really changed my whole thing with guitar."
The "roving thumb thing" likely refers to a fingerpicking technique where the thumb maintains a consistent bass line or rhythmic pulse, while other fingers handle melodic or harmonic embellishments. This approach, common in folk, country, and bluegrass styles on both banjo and guitar, allows for greater independence between bass and treble lines, creating a fuller, more dynamic sound. By applying these banjo-derived fingerpicking patterns and rhythmic sensibilities to his guitar playing, Law developed a distinctive right-hand style that adds a layer of intricate texture and rhythmic complexity to his riffs and solos. This fusion of banjo chops with classic rock influences results in a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly unique, capable of delivering both raw power and delicate nuance. It underscores the idea that musical innovation often stems from stepping outside one’s primary comfort zone and allowing diverse influences to converge.
The Instruments of Intensity: Danelectro and Ancoats Custom
In the "My Guitars & Me" episode, Law showcases two instruments that are central to his sonic identity: a "tried and tested Dano" and a beloved custom guitar from UK maker, Ancoats. The Danelectro, affectionately known as "Dano," holds a special place in the annals of rock history. Known for their distinctive lipstick-tube pickups, semi-hollow construction, and often quirky aesthetics, Danelectro guitars have been favored by a diverse array of musicians for their unique chimey, yet punchy, tone. Their affordability and vintage appeal have made them a go-to for artists seeking a specific sonic character that stands apart from the ubiquitous Fender and Gibson sounds. For Law, the Danelectro likely provides a reliable and characterful workhorse, capable of delivering the clarity needed for his intricate banjo-influenced picking, as well as the bite for his "monster riffs." Its "tried and tested" status suggests a deep familiarity and trust in its performance, particularly in the demanding environment of Getdown Services’ live shows.
Complementing his Danelectro is a custom-made guitar from Ancoats, a UK-based maker. The choice of a custom instrument speaks volumes about Law’s dedication to his craft and his desire for a guitar tailored precisely to his specifications and playing style. Custom guitars offer unparalleled control over tone, playability, and aesthetics, allowing a musician to fine-tune every detail to suit their unique artistic vision. Ancoats, as a UK maker, also highlights a commitment to supporting local craftsmanship and potentially incorporating design elements or tonal qualities specific to the British guitar-making tradition. This bespoke instrument likely serves as a crucial tool for Law, providing him with a nuanced palette of sounds that can adapt to the varied demands of Getdown Services’ dynamic repertoire, from delicate fingerpicked passages to aggressive, high-energy solos. The combination of a vintage-inspired workhorse and a modern, custom-built instrument provides Law with a versatile arsenal, reflecting his diverse influences and adaptable playing style.
Broader Implications: Redefining Performance and Musicianship
The journey of Josh Law and Getdown Services offers several broader implications for the music industry and artistic expression. Firstly, it champions the notion that raw, unadulterated performance can still captivate and energize audiences in an era often dominated by highly produced, digitally enhanced experiences. Getdown Services’ success is a testament to the enduring power of human connection, visceral energy, and genuine emotion in live music. Their "feral" shows are not merely entertainment; they are an invitation to communal catharsis, a space where boundaries between performer and audience blur. This approach challenges the prevailing trends of hyper-polished pop and self-contained indie acts, reminding audiences of the primal thrill of rock and roll.
Secondly, Law’s evolution as a guitarist, particularly his embrace of the banjo as a transformative influence, underscores the value of interdisciplinary learning in music. His experience demonstrates that innovation often arises from cross-pollination between different instruments, genres, and techniques. Musicians are encouraged to explore beyond their primary instrument, as insights gained from one domain can unlock new possibilities and dimensions in another. This challenges traditional pedagogical approaches that often compartmentalize musical learning, suggesting that a more holistic and adventurous approach can lead to significant artistic growth and unique sonic identities. The "My Guitars & Me" series, by highlighting such stories, plays a crucial role in showcasing the diverse paths musicians take to develop their craft.
Finally, the band’s self-deprecating humor and their tongue-in-cheek branding as "Britain’s Best Band™" reflect a refreshing authenticity and a playful defiance of industry norms. This attitude resonates deeply with an audience increasingly wary of manufactured personas and overblown hype. Getdown Services embodies a spirit of independent artistry, prioritizing genuine expression and exhilarating live performance over commercial posturing. Their story, and particularly Josh Law’s integral role within it, serves as an inspiring example of how passion, adaptability, and an unyielding commitment to creative exploration can forge a truly distinctive and impactful artistic identity in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music.
In conclusion, Josh Law’s journey with Getdown Services is a compelling narrative of artistic paradoxes: an unhinged stage presence fueled by a deeply thoughtful musical foundation, and a guitarist who initially resisted his instrument only to find it indispensable. His unique blend of classic rock grit, Jack White-esque intensity, and banjo-infused technicality, channeled through his beloved Danelectro and custom Ancoats guitar, forms the beating heart of Getdown Services’ electrifying sound. As the band continues to redefine the boundaries of live performance, Law stands as a testament to the idea that true musical artistry often thrives at the intersection of chaos and craft, tradition and innovation, proving that sometimes, the best tools for the job are found in the most unexpected places.
