WHILST I am zealously passionate about my local/DIY music, I am always willing to dip my toe in the professional scene, especially where punk is concerned.

So it was with a sense of excitement and adventure that I zoomed off to The Academy on an oppressively cold evening.

For those of you who have never been to the venue, it is well worth a visit. It is a very impressive medium/large venue, with a great performance area, plenty of places to sit or stand (as you prefer) and a host of pretty waitresses ensuring that all your beverage needs are catered for.

There is a good sized stage, well lit, with a huge sound system and best of all, there are hundreds of TV screens all over the place, so that no matter where you are, you can still get a good view of the stage.

First up and a pleasant surprise to me were LaFlamme from Surrey/Sussex - I did not know there were going to be any support acts, but they are always a bonus.

At first glance I was worried we were going to get a cheesy-covers band, but in reality, they were far from it. They played their own stuff and played it well, with a strong punk'n'roll feel to the style and delivery.

Basingstoke Gazette:

As well as the speed and the attitude, the guys were technically very good, so it was a very good start to the evening.

Then it was time for the main event, the Sex P*ssed Dolls - who are an all-girl punk covers band. I had heard mixed views about the band, but I really wanted to see with my own eyes and hear with my own ears, before making up my mind.

Kitty Vacant 

Basingstoke Gazette:

The burning question was, is it just a gimmick, or is there some substance behind it? 

It started well, with the girls coming onto the stage one at a time and joining in a rendition of the Sex Pistols' Pretty Vacant whilst a packed crowd assembled in every available space.

Guitarist Connie Rotter 

Basingstoke Gazette:

Beyond that, however, they did not light a fire in my belly.

Yes, they were great to look at, but musically they seemed a little pedestrian, going through the motions, putting on an act rather than adequately representing the voices of rage and rebellion.

And that is fine, I would never damn a group on account of my unreasonable expectations.

Jilly Idol, Anna Key and Nancy Doll 

Basingstoke Gazette:

There is no doubt they were entertaining and the vast majority of people had a good time (including me) - but having seen them once, I feel no desire to check them out again.

If you were to stack them against say, The Ramonas - an all-girl Ramones tribute act - there is simply no comparison. The Ramonas look great too, but sound out of this world.

Thanks to both bands for playing and the management and staff of the venue for a very entertaining night.

Neil Duncan, Issuepunkzine