大象传媒

In Belfast terms it's "Baltic" outside but there's a warmth in the air in The Black Box as Amidships take the stage early in the evening. With loud guitars, fiddle and duelling vocals that at times compliment and collide, it's an energetic run through of tunes. Billed as a "folk-tinged rock band" there's more emphasis tonight on the rock, although with clear hints that front man McCorley could easily do a Roddy Woomble, who'll be bringing his own folk show to Belfast next week. Musically, Amidships aren't a million miles away from their forerunners Red Sirus and Push Borders but that's no bad thing for lovers of local music.

The Phantom Band having finally grown up, settled on a name and established themselves as one of Scotland's most inventive acts of the now are pushing the boundaries with tunes from their second studio album 'The Wants'.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of David Lynch, John Carpenter, Tom Waits and everything from R&B to rock'n'roll, they're no easy band to pigeonhole and that's an astounding achievement in these days when we've all lost track of what the term 'indie' really means.

It's a sonic onslaught of guitar fuzz and electronic musings, and although the crowd seems somewhat muted for a Saturday night, they show their appreciation in all the right places until the band take the initiative and get in amongst them, drawing us all into the mystical wonderland of noise.

Amidships, we look forward to hearing more from you. The Phantom Band, we hope you return sometime soon, and to the old guy in the v-neck sweater, we salute your tenacity and dedication to the rock!

Scott Edgar