IT was cold, really cold, and yet I braved the sub-zero temperatures to check out this show - and support a cool Basingstoke band.

First up were Elements from Southampton, who I had not seen before and kicked off the evening with some lively, well-executed power-pop.

Basingstoke Gazette:

There were not a lot of people in the venue at this time, but it did not stop them putting on a fine show and setting the scene for the evening.

This was going to be a night of technical ability, rather than the mindless brutality that often lures me to shows. Lord knows I could do with a bit of culture.

Next up and all the way from Manchester were Bite the Shark - and no, they did not kick off with the theme from Jaws (missed opportunity there chaps!). Pretty much a classic rock/rock'n'roll band, which was fine, they were different in style to the previous band, but they complemented it nicely.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Their moderate tempo and lively delivery, plus a growing crowd, all served to add some more fizz to the night.

Main support was provided by Drop Down Smiling from the Midlands, another conventional band, which nevertheless had its own identity.

Basingstoke Gazette:

The music was a little unusual and adventurous and I quite enjoyed it - I was however less impressed by the Bee Gees style vocals in the first song. Thank goodness this did not continue, but there was definitely an element of, "What the heck is this?" which detracted from simply getting into the band. I will probably need to see them again sometime, now that I am forewarned.

The headline band were Fake the Attack from Basingstoke on the second night of their current tour.

Basingstoke Gazette:

It seemed a little strange to have these guys on in their home town midweek, but at least the venue was packed by now - and we could warm up a bit.

The band were on good form with their female-fronted pop-punk and whilst there is a natural temptation to draw parallels with Hayley Williams and Paramore, I feel that does not do justice either to the band or singer Ashlyn, who clearly has her own style of delivery and can stand tall and proud.

They were very well received and deservedly so.

Thanks to all the bands who played, to the promoter, to Rockbitch for the sound and the management and staff of the venue for a great night, albeit a chilly one.

Neil Duncan, ISSUEPUNKZINE