On the usual rounds after a fair bit of sofa lifting and table swapping, I make a quick escape to Burger King to purchase some dinner (as you do). Upon leaving the little alleyway I am automatically hit by the lack of people waiting outside for the gig. When I say lack I’m referring to the fact that there is actually no one outside... At all!

Assuming the crowd are just being fashionably late and will eventually turn up I continue to get some grub, and returning to the café some half an hour later, there is still not a sign of a single person.

As the night progresses, we see a total of five, maybe seven people turn up, and this is includes three that leave half way through the acts.

Once again I'm left wondering how these two little bands can think that the name alone will bring the crowds herding, and just who was stupid enough not to get any promotion in prior to the gig.

The bands seem determined that people are coming, and I must say I did feel for them when no one really did. But the sets to follow opened the eyes on just why.

Hitting the vacant café first tonight are youngsters LEADING BRAND, giving us the same old pop-injected punk that maybe would appeal to a room of rebellious 14 year-olds, but definitely not the smaller crowd tonight.

The set is unplanned, out of time and really just not up to standards, the boys make those support bands you’ve seen at gigs that have made you cringe look as organised as a nest of ants.

Nice try boys, but three words that hopefully will throw you back in with a chance. Practice-promote-rock.

Some actions that this band definitely need to invest in.

Then next up are young Ska Punks Save The Lecture.

These guys do the night some justice, coming out with some fuel injected ska punk that puts a hint of professionalism on the nights music.

They're tight, they're together, their  minds are in the right place, just not their fans,  or anyone to be precise.

No ,  this isn’t anything new.  I for one wouldn’t pay to watch this, but the guys do the night justice, and are easily the highlight of the night.

Good job, just no one around to hear it.

So in evaluation.

Bands that even feel they stand a chance at conquering the Guildford scene need to learn, promotion is a vital part of being a band that play live gigs, without it there would be a lot more embarrassing nights like this where the crowds of kids just don’t show, and they're the nights that really make you wonder why you bother.

Much love

Dan Carter