Euphoria Audio / These Silent Movies / Royal Vendetta / The Virginia May

This is the first time in the new Xsite venue for a lot of people here, including the bands. It is reminiscent of a school hall, when bands used to play on the school stage and there was so much space that everyone stood at the band, near the wall. The venue is only five months old, and is still creating a name for itself. Lucky for these unsigned acts, as it gives them a feel of larger (say, university) size venues whilst enjoying playing with mates and it not being too overpowering.

Four local bands from Wakefield and Leeds tonight, and they have managed to pull a crowd of around 250. Most of these stand near the back as mentioned before, supping on the £1.50 pints. First up are The Virginia May Theory (to delve into the name origins; after searching the web briefly I do not know of any theory or conspiracy or whatever to do with any Virginia May).



The object of these Wakefield lads, a few of which very active on the Wakey music scene, is to blend experimental metal and electronica together. The results are quite good, with lead singer Ad providing the emo metal look whilst mixing it with odd keyboard samples and a strong set of vocals. With influences ranging from Orbital to Pitchshifter to Genesis (!), you can guess that it is quite a mix up but in a good way. This venue has a very good sound system, and this band’s sound in particular comes across very well.

Royal Vendetta have travelled the furthest tonight, all the way from Leeds. More indie than the other bands on the bill. ‘Cold Light Of Day’ is an upbeat track, compared to last track ‘The Lost Cause’, with heavy guitars, but still hiding under indie melodies. Singer Jonathon Banks nearly slips on the wet stage whilst dancing about, which slows him down a bit, also calling for “technical support” as his mic lead keeps cutting out. Needless to say they do not have the status of U2, and this request appears to be ignored.



Back to folk from Wakey now, as These Silent Movies take to the stage. The crowd has moved right up to the stage for this band, giving the illusion that the venue has shrunk a little. Their set is quit short, as is the way when four bands make up the line up. The start time should have been 7pm, not 8pm. Some good tracks from the fellas; ‘If You Keep Forgetting To Sleep (You’ll Never Wake Up)’, ‘The Reveal’ and When The Lights Go Out’ all show off new members Steve (vocals) and Rick (guitar). Steve makes a good front man, and is helped enormously by backing vocals from original singer Matt and bassist Joe. The layering of singing duties on ‘The Highwire Contest’ is a good example of this.



Now onto headliners (also from Wakefield) Euphoria Audio. Having starting out playing original songs and plenty of AC/DC and Aerosmith covers, the band are definitely the rockiest of the night; heavy on the guitars riffs and with stadium sounds on the agenda. They also have the personality for it, treating the stage like it should be; a performer platform.



Good shows from all involved musically, and I can see the venue becoming popular over time. My favourites were These Silent Movies, who had the most intricate songs, but could do with a little polishing. All the others played really well, but the sounds are a little unoriginal (except V.M.T in a way) and already available by more established bands. I wish them all well, and hopefully next time the only reason people will be stood at the back is because the place is packed.

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.