Fighting Red Adair, Dead or American and Cartel. Westport Bar, 19th July 2002

This isnt a review of sorts, more like a little article on what i thought of the gig. Basically, i finished work at nine and was fairly pissed off that there was a chance that i was gonna miss the first band due to the fact the kick-off was set for 8.30, however i got there asap just in time for Red Adair. coming from the same place as Dead or America, FRA basically brought some of the heaviest music i have heard from a unsigned band, all the way through it was pure energy and angst. For a 3 piece band, they connected well and produced a really loud sound, you could actually feel the floor flex and rise with every bass thumping line. The whole band give it their all and you could see it on the expression on their faces. It was their first time in Dundee and they certainly left and impression on the local crowd.

Usually a visitor to the many punk gigs in the area, this gig was a different one for me, the crowd was completely different to what i am used to but i came away totally hyped up and pumped.

Next up where Dead or American, several people had come to me and told me they were looking forward to these guys as they were supposed to be very good indeed, and on the night, they were just that. Blending various styles together, such as Rage Against the Machine, Pearl Jam and System of a Down, the band were certainly not lacking in diversity and technical ability. The music was well connected, everything fitted seamlessly together and the crowd interaction topped the set up perfectly.

Tonight was to be the night that i saw these three bands for the first time and so far the first two had exceeded my expectation. Having had the opportunity to know Bob previous to the nights gig, i was looking forward to it tremendously, i had heard their various mp3s and was even more eager to hear them live after listening to them, and i ended up refusing to leave without a demo CD. With varying styles, the band fitted well together, oozing copious amounts of energy and enthusiasm, with Bob practically creating a one-man-pit. i think everyone else was scared to get involved. Again, involving themselves with the crowd is something which every band should seek to carry out and Cartel executed their set to perfection.

I cant really critisice any of the bands on any aspect since i dont have the adequate background knowledge to make any comments, but as a neutral to the genre, i certainly had a great time, this morning my ears were still ringing... two days after the gig.

3 bands definately worth checking out if you have the time.

Peace KJ