UndergroundScene Gig 28/03/2003

UndergroundScene Presents Quik, Sirius, Dead or American, Alyssa's Wish and the Fall of Boss Koala. 28/03/2003.

This is my review of the gig. Its all my opinion and being follower of urban music mostly, i can keep an open mind on this night of alternative music.

The night started off on a rough note, with 13 Broken Fingers unfortunately pulling out due to a train strike across the most part of the country and the Aberdeen bands arriving late. This lineup was definately one of the strongest to hit the local 'scene' in a very long time.

The first band were put back to 8.30 to allow a greater preparation time after some of the hold ups but everything seemed to work to great advantage to the bands. When i arrived, Boss Koala were already there getting their gear set up and everything in order. The drum kit arrived later and the sound checks were finally completed. People were already here and waiting for the night to get underway, despite my fears, attendance was rising every time i looked toward the back of the hall. I was hoping the bands got the gig they were after and the night proved to be just that.

Quik were on first, the Aberdeen punk band were back in dundee for the first time in a while, with a temporary lineup until the space vacated by their previous drummer Ben could be replaced. The last time that i had seen the band was in the Westport, just 5 minutes away from the Cotton Club, and even then they impressed me, not greatly but their music was up to scratch and they were good at what they did. Tonight was no different. They stormed through their set and managed to fit in a good array of tracks to keep the crowd in eager aniticpation for what was to come. One thing i like in a band is the ability to roll from track to track with a short or no little room for a breather in between. No sooner was one track completed than another was already on the way leaving little time for applause and more time for music. Despite some moments of forgetfulness on the part of their temporary drumming replacement (Kris of Alyssa's Wish), to me they played very well and entertained the usually stubborn Dundee crowd. It was a pleasure to see them again and this time i got to talk to them too.

Sirius were up next. I to had last watched them perform in Dundee's Westport Bar and was very much looking forward to seeing them again. They certainly had enough energy, with acrobatics thrown into the mix, they delivered a powerful array of tracks and strong vocals. I know the Aberdeen bands were keen to perform for the Dundee people and Sirius were keeping up that run. They looked very much the punk outfit and performed strongly throughout their set. It was good to meet and get to know them too, and i have promised to try and catch them in Aberdeen very soon.

By now i was getting hungry, as i had come to the venue straight from work and decided to go get some food while Dead or American were setting up. I began to move to the exit at the back of the hall from standing close to the stage and was amazed at the turnout. By now, there must have been at least 120 people in the venue, most of which were in the room watching the bands and generally having a good time. This put a great smile on my face as i could feel the stress at the beginning of the night and i was happy the bands were getting to play in front of a very good Dundee crowd. The venue helped a great deal too.

I got back after eating a large bag of Firecracker McCoys crisps and was feeling the heat.

Dead or American however provided a mouth watering set list. Blending various styles together in less that 30 minutes, they played to the crowd fast, slow and some chilled music. It was a good way to break up the half way point of the night and they were on form. Again, the last time i had seen them was in the Westport but i could see they were enjoying this venue and the people that came to see them. I think they stirred up differences of opinion between the crowd in terms of their music and their attitude on stage, but controversy is always good and free speach is something music emphasises.

What made this gig for me was the chance to see these bands together and get to meet them all, having seen most of them before, but never having the chance to speak to them.

After Dead or America came Alyssa's Wish. The band that had been hyped to massive amounts throughout Dundee. This was the test. Could they live up to the hype or were they just another punk band.... man, i was gobsmacked. When i go to a gig, everyone knows that i usually just stand there, arms crossed with a relaxed look on my face. But for their set, my arms where firmly by my side and i had a grin on my face. I kept looking at Greame as if to say 'damn, they are something else'. Much had been said before hand, good and bad, but tonight i was hoping everyone of those doubters were there to see this. Despite having played drums for a 30 minute set for Quik, Kris managed to execute the Alyssa's Wish set without offering a clue to his tired strenth. The whole band were active on stage throughout their time on it, constant movement, energy and enthusiams were evident throughout and they were definately enjoying this opportunity. I took a look around and people were shaking their head in disbelief. Even the brothers of Perth; Dav and Gash were astounded by what they were seeing, and Dav was speachless!!! for probably the first time in his life. hehe. now thats saying something.

After they had played their set i congratulated them and their manager and got myself a coke and took a seat. I was laughing at myself.

After that, i was hoping i had made the right decision to put Boss Koala on last. The guys had only been together for less than 6 months and were relatively inexperienced. The metal people were in the hall now and were eager to get the Cage night off to a flying start. Fall of Boss Koala, it was up to them to finish the night off how it had started.

They needed to feed off the energy from the previous 4 bands and play their hearts out if they were follow on from what we had just witnessed.

They played and they played and they played. People were on the floor dancing, heads were nodding and the music was pounding. I hadnt seen them before and i had chosen them on what i had heard from others. They were marvelous. I honestly could not say a bad word against them, and indeed the other bands that played tonight. This is only the second time that had happened. Only once before had i seen such a fine display of entertaining, musical and vocal talent and that was from a couple of rappers :P

I met everyone, and not one big headed egotystical punk in sight. They were all very nice to me and i prayed that they were more than satisfied with their performances. The feedback i have personally recieved since then, by email, phone and in person has been fantastic and, to be part of it, made me very happy and very proud.

5 different bands, 5 different styles all played together and complimented each others music nicely.

This is my view of the proceedings and i hope others that were there will also contribute their views to this review.

Thanks to all those involved and thanks to the Aberdeen and Stirling bands especially for making the journey to Dundee.

KJ