大象传媒

Watching Master Mercenary is hurting our brain. Whether they're any good or not is hard to tell as the band are unbearably loud. We're talking properly painful. The sound is balanced quite well and the levels are fine, but that just means the vocal cuts through like a machete. We're pretty sure those songs are decent, but it's like being beat round the head with a big bag of lovely, juicy oranges.

On record, Yes Cadets are an extremely exciting prospect. Granted they've only recorded two songs - 'Fashionista Art Party' and 'Charm Offensive' - but both are awesome. Performing them back to back at the start makes for an incredible opening ten minutes - Franz-esque warped pop songs performed with great intent. The vocal delivery is unique - duelling squaks and howls from singer Alan and drummer Lisa. But we already knew those two songs were great - the big question was - do they have more where that came from?

Thankfully, every track they perform has something of an edge, forthcoming single 'Canada' in particular. Whether their time has come and gone remains to be scene, but at the moment they're the most exciting new band in the country.

Strait Laces are equally untamed, if a little confused. There's a lot going on over this set - reference points go from the Chilli's to Modest Mouse. 'Some May Revel In It' is chunky and ballsy, while 'Romantic Issue' is a little sinister. It's all delivered with admirable energy by a band it's easy to like.

While Yes Cadets have nailed it, Strait Laces aren't sure how to sound. Crucially though, they're having great fun as they find out.

Words: Rigsy
Picture: Strait Laces myspace