BACK in Basingstoke for a Friday show and a very promising one it looked too, with a mix of bands I know and like, plus some new ones to check out.

We were in safe hands for the opening band. The Cottonettes from Guildford are an excellent contemporary punk band and they are particularly enjoyable live.

Basingstoke Gazette:

They have some great songs, up tempo, edgy and very catchy, plus they move around a bit when they perform, Recommended.

Next up was Dreadzy - an acoustic dude from London. I gather that he is actually in a band, but they were unable to make it, so he came down on his own to ensure that the show went on. Kudos for that and quality of his singing and playing.

Basingstoke Gazette:

I am not a huge fan of acoustic, but this was a cut above the rest. It was also good to see him bond with the audience, so I hope I get a chance to see his full band one day.

The midway slot was taken by the band Laikas Flight who I have never seen or heard before. I did look down with trepidation at the masses of effects pedals being laid out by three guitarists.

Basingstoke Gazette:

The opening song saw me sigh visibly, but I have to say that after that they got much better with some fairly meaty post-rock songs. Mind you, I felt the lack of support and/or backing vocals did detract from the overall performance.

Main support was provided by Bandits UK who come from Newbury and apologies to all the other ska-punk bands I love, but these guys are probably the best.

Basingstoke Gazette:

They play fast, real fast. Killer fast. Their whole performance is an adrenaline rush. They instantly connected with the crowd and thereafter could do no wrong. That is my kind of music.

Mind up, the headliners, also from Newbury are also pretty special, none other than The Black Bullets all locked and loaded for some of the dirtiest rock'n'roll it would be your pleasure to watch.

Basingstoke Gazette:

They were on top form, with a large crowd, who were, shall we say, well watered and demob-happy, what with it being the weekend and all.

So it was a fantastic performance and the perfect end to a very enjoyable night.

The usual thanks to the bands, the the promoter and the management and staff of Sanctuary for a proper rock night out.

Neil Duncan, ISSUEPUNKZINE