Coagulating in 1980s London, the Blood is a unique punk band led by “Cardinal Jesus Hate.” This show did not disappoint, even though the crowd at Brick by Brick maxed out at 25 (including the staff and members of the other bands playing that night). Attendance aside, the Cardinal was in full form, wearing his religious vestments and singing to the venue as if the place was packed to the rafters.

The sound system at the venue needs work but the band powered through even as the Cardinal’s mic kept cutting in and out. (It sounded as if the sound guy wanted to call it an early night.)

The Blood ripped through a well-worn set, kicking off with “Stark Raving Normal” as they set foot on stage. They went through their anthems to our small crowd as if we were witness to an intimate practice session. Throughout the show I couldn’t help thinking, This is a good band, where the hell is everybody? Kudos to the Cardinal, though, for knowing that the show must go on.

• Concert: The Blood
• Date: December 19
• Venue: Brick by Brick
• Seats: General admission