TWO weeks into the New Year and this was the first time I had managed to get to a Basingstoke show thanks to stiff competition from out-of-town gigs.
It was a very cold night, so I was hoping for a big crowd to keep the place warm and I was not disappointed - I got there early and so did many others.
Mind you, it was a double-birthday bash and those type of shows do tend to attract more than your average gig.
First up was a solo acoustic guy Isaac Barrett, who sang and played well to a fair number of supporters in this early crowd.
I can't claim to be one of them myself, I prefer my music to be faster and a bit more punchy. Still, I fully support the idea of giving new young talent an opportunity to perform.
Next up the first band proper was Kilkovec from Basingstoke who I have not seen in a while and indeed, I thought they had broken up! However, it looks like they have had a line-up change which would explain the absence.
Very lively, mostly up tempo alt-rock and much more my cup of tea. The crowd had grown a bit also, especially down the front where bands always like to see a press of people.
The middle slot was taken by another Basingstoke band (and I believe that all the bands on the bill were local) called STUP!D and they do have a big and enthusiastic following.
Their bluesy-rock style is much appreciated, especially when it is done so well. They seemed to be down a member, but I don't know if that was a line-up change or it's just that the keyboard guy could not make the show?
Main support was provided by female-fronted pop-punkers We Deny, who I have also not seen in a while. The press of people got even more sardine-like, although it was disappointing to see all the taller ones (usually guys) right at the front, whilst the shorter ones (usually girls) confined to the back - apparently the age of chivalry is dead.
The band put on a very lively and enthusiastic performance, although I seemed to be in a vocalist blind-spot. There was plenty of leaping around and encouragement by the crowd.
The headline band were Karrion, another band I have not seen in a while, but these classic heavy metallers can always be relied upon to crank out an impressive show. Well, for one thing they have an array of props for the stage to supplement their larger than life personalities and excellent songs.
Naturally they got the biggest crowd of the night as they played a wide selection of songs from their debut album and earlier EP. Definitely worthy headliners.
So thanks to all the bands, to the birthday boys, the promoter, to Rockbitch for doing the sound and to the manager and staff of the venue for a warm haven on a really cold Saturday night.
Neil Duncan, Issuepunkzine
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