This was a free gig, sponsored by NARC, but even a free gig can be hard to fill of a Thursday night when the students are away and people are on their holidays. So it was great to see a healthy sized crowd. Brewdog pub, at the bottom of Dean Street provided ideal lubrication.
Cauls created varying rock soundscapes, with slightly awkward lack of spacing between songs, maybe they were rushed. I felt we would enjoy the sound more if there were more engagement with the audience. The music was complex and had a depth that I could appreciate although whether this is something I could play in my car on a long journey, I'm not sure.
Die Die Die! from New Zealand, brought the room to life and vocalist Andrew Wilson clearly felt that the little corner of the room was insufficient space for him to express himself. He took many trips out into the audience and entertained them with creative uses of the mic’ stand to play the guitar and climbed on furniture to get a better rock and roll position over the crowd at one point. The music was infectious. Foot-tapping, head-nodding rock-punk.
Rivals frontman Ross Millard
Rivals have a sound I associate both with The Clash and with Therapy?. A small number of loyal fans claimed the front of the crowded stage area and, as the gig progressed people lined the balcony area clearly enjoying the spectacle and the music. Whilst Rivals are fairly loud and fond of distortion, they have a great ear for a tune. They are definitely a band to look out for.
Words and Photo - Jo Oliver
Jo is the founder of Jowheretogo PR and a regular contributor to NE:MM
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