Once again, Indie is the word tonight; the café is packed with tight jeans and styled hair, and the PA is pumping out the Vines. The gig started quite late, as the drum kit being used didn’t arrive until shortly before the set time for Doors opening. The gig starts proper at 8.20pm . It’s certainly nice to finally have a crowd who stay for the entire set, though. There is a real sense of comradeship between the bands, who seem to know each other, and get on well. This encourages a friendly atmosphere, which gives the gig a good feel.

First up are 4-piece TH’ GREAT OUTDOORS (spelt just like that, I’m told), who I must admit I found extremely hard to describe. I could describe them as middle-of-the-road Indie Pop-Rock, and that would probably be true, but they are more than that. They seem rockier than most mainstream indie bands, but not in the raucous way that the Strokes are, and at the same time they are more chilled and feel-good than most indie bands I have listened to. There is a dash of rock, funk, indie, prog and even some Hendrix-esque guitar moments. Their songs aren’t necessarily catchy, but are still somehow accessible, and danceable. Groovy, thoughtful and rocking- Th’ Great Outdoors are all of these. It strikes me that for one reason or another, they belong on the radio. There is certainly a place in the mainstream music scene for these guys. They are technically apt as individuals, and are tight as a group. The frontman is softly spoken, quiet and friendly with the crowd. All in all, an enjoyable live experience and a good sound.

INDIGO CHILD couldn’t be any more different. My initial reaction was ‘What the…?’ (although not in a negative way). This 6-piece of indie-clad hipsters burst onto the stage with an explosion of bizarre, quirky prog-funk-indie-rock, all with a huge 60’s influence. The act comprises of a drummer reminiscent of Keith Moon, solid funky bass, guitars laden with more ethereal effects than I previously thought possible (and even a slide guitar solo), a keyboard player who doubles as a saxophonist, and a lead singer with no apparent care or caution for his own personal safety. He dances like a man possessed, swinging his mic in the style of Roger Daltrey, flailing his arms and legs, knocking cymbals over, even launching himself from one of the café’s side-counters. The entire act is heartfelt, passionate and raucous. It grabs your attention immediately and keeps it right up to the end. The last song sums up the entire set- it rages and gyrates, before descending into discordant chaos, and then resurrecting itself, changing key completely! This is an extremely tight, strong band, who are definitely worth a see, whether you are into funk, prog, indie, or any other of the genres they encompass.

Closing tonight’s proceedings are VIDEOSPRINT, who deliver a set of Strokes/Vines style indie style garage-rock. Their regular beats, syncopated guitar and straight basslines instantly get the crowd dancing. They are energetic and upbeat, and perform passionately and confidently. It becomes clear at this point that the majority of the crowd are Videosprint’s fanbase, as for the first time in the evening, there is a tangible crowd of people standing at the front dancing. There are even several newcomers who enter the café for the majority of their set. They deliver a tight, rehearsed set, showcasing melodic, well-written songs. The boys really give it their all tonight. It isn’t their fault, however, that some of the newcomers, and indeed, some of the crowd already here, seem to have the intention of heckling them from the word go. Much of it seems directed at the frontman, Ross; a Plantation employee, so one wonders whether it’s a few of his mates having some fun at his expense. It erodes the friendly atmosphere somewhat, and there are moments when several of them seem to be getting out of control, but luckily these don’t lead anywhere, and the gig ends soon after.

All in all, an impressive night of showmanship and musical talent- the Guildford indie scene seems to be alive and well tonight!

Take Care,

Jamie Webster