Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Gascan Ruckus are as loud and nasty as their name suggests. It's a short, sweet 20 minute set because our front-man is suffering from vocal problems (and a few guitar issues during), possibly from screaming too loudly. Highlighted by 'Henry's POV', speed punk grunge over in the blink of an eye, like Green Day covering Nirvana, they're going to keep making a noise until we pay attention, so we should start now.

Deadlights come along and don't exactly turn it down much, continuing the evening's theme of loudness, all grungy and dirty and good for you in a way your mother wouldn't approve of. 'All The Way' is suitably punk rock, and they're also capable of some big sky emo-y moments, whilst retaining a nice 1980s college/alternative rock style lack of polish. There's more than enough in there to show they're capable of moving up bills quickly, with about every form of rock represented somehow, gentle closer 'Routine' lulling us into false security before its thrashy finish. Deadlights, the spotlight will soon be yours.

The relatively much higher profile Before Machines provide the next part of this 4 band marathon, and this once poppy threesome continue their evolution into a harder four piece while not throwing away their tunes. 'South Africa' is a choppy post-punk-funk number with angular guitars, synths and catchy vowel sounds, and 'Don't Question Yourself' builds from the drums up into some shimmering guitar power. 'Stalagmites' is, as with Deadlights, a slightly different closer, much slower but stronger and determined before satisfying us with a punkish ending. They're a band moving around and the journey is fun so far, so we'll keep with them.

The Rupture Dogs continue to issue a pretty strong challenge to the likes of Fighting With Wire and LaFaro that there are new kings of riff-heavy rock in town. 'Never Will Get Back' is nasty and dirty and primal, like QOTSA or Foo Fighters, whilst 'Shoot To Thrill' continues the formula that 'riff + rhythm + dirty, sexy vocals you can barely understand = good times', and until we find something to improve on that, it'll keep us all happy. They're a straight-up 'drink some beer, kick some ass' band, and all the more fun and better for it. Finishing with 'Joe', the set is over too quickly, a sign you've enjoyed it greatly.

William Johnston