大象传媒

It's Wednesday night, and at Aunty Annies West V's East have taken over, showcasing a trio of bands from different parts of the province. It's not quite as jam packed as it had been 7 days prior, when As I Watch You From Afar launched their EP to a full house. But with that said, the venue is about half full, which is pretty respectable considering most punters are downstairs, watching Manchester United being effortlessly outplayed by AS Roma. Tonight is already turning out to be a good night.

El Capitan kicks things off with their alt rock grunge stylings. This Fermanagh-based band is only newly formed, and so the song writing is still in its infancy, but that's not to say these guys are big babies. Mark Phair's vocals are pretty superb, and despite being hampered by a sound technician who clearly has no idea how to EQ his desk, his vocal range is pretty impressive. The influence of 90s rockers Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins is pretty blatant, and guitarist Sean McGoldrick's delay pedal doesn't quite seem in time during the last tune, but none of this goes to spoil what has essentially been a very promising set at this early stage in the band's career.

Number two on the bill is Blackball Fighter, and as soon as they get the green from our expert sound guy, they set about tearing through a 35 minute set, leaving little, if any, time between tracks for the audience to show their appreciation. It's so refreshing to see a band play with so little farting about between tunes. The four-piece describe themselves as atmospheric, experimental rock. But that doesn't really do them justice in the funk department, which is led by skinhead bassist, Simey. The basslines weave and bob with furious intricacy, and Andy O's synth melodies add depth to what is already a rather solid sound. There are obvious overtones of RATM and Led Zeppelin, but Blackball Fighter pulls it off. Unfortunately, their set is marred by the dancefloor antics of two late 20-somethings who can only be described as total pillocks. But all in all, a good set.

And the final band in tonight's line-up is the big dogs, Indigo Fury. The Fermanagh-come-Belfast based boys make no bones about being an indie rock 'n' roll outfit. But the sound has been done to death over the past few years, with bands like The Strokes and Jet being branded "saviours" or "reinventionists". So to tackle such a genre, and to do so well, is no mean feat. Yet Indigo Fury seem to do it effortlessly. Each tune sounds like a box-fresh gem, unearthed by a sort of rock 'n' roll Tony Robinson. Not Today and Darker are stand out tracks.

Has anyone else noticed the fact that Belfast's two finest three-pieces share not only similar names, but also possess singing drummers? There's no sign of Indigo losing their mojo, but something tell me there's some sort of Clark Kent - Superman thing going on there.

Sully