Tonight sees Plantation ’s recent genre of choice take a turn for the heavier. Gone are the Indie kids of the last two gigs and in place is a fine selection of Guildford ’s rockers. Local lads Radiate certainly attract a crowd, having drawn radio attention and enjoyed quite a bit of success in the last year or two, and tonight sees a line up which one can’t really complain about- some good talent, no time wasters, and seemingly nice guys. We even have Jim and Frank Paoli (of D’raven) in the crowd to support their mates in Radiate.

First up are Hampshire lads TAMERLANE. (pronounced Taymerlane, if I remember rightly), who kick off this evening in a business-like fashion, with a set of moody grunge-tinged heavy rock. An eerie phaser effect emanating from the keyboard starts the intro song, and one begins to get an idea for their sound; Driving and atmospheric, tipping its cap (vocals-wise) to post-grunge bands such as Creed, Staind and Disturbed, it is very well rehearsed, tight and musically proficient. The two guitars complement each other nicely, creating a hard-rock vibe, with a bass guitar that practically stands out as a lead instrument, and a solid drummer. At times one gets the feeling that it all feels a little business-like. Indeed, the band don’t instantly stand out as a tight group, although you couldn’t tell this from their music. They look like a group of session musicians playing together as a job, less like a group of mates playing music they love. But that, of course, is just my impression, and it doesn’t compromise their tight, impressive sound.

Second are 3-piece RADIATE, who start their first song with an unfortunate set of technical problems, all seemingly caused by the guitarist’s old, battered axe, which has definitely seen better days, despite its legendary status in the Radiate camp as his favourite guitar. This is swiftly solved by a guitar change during an extended drum and bass jam, which covers professionally and impressively for the problems. This out of the way, the lads open up with a full blast of melodic feel-good rock. They manage the aural feat of stomping in your face while making you think about pretty, happy things at the same time. They are melodic, yet heavy. Somehow, a singer whose voice resembles Steven Tyler (of Aerosmith)’s voice, makes beautiful noises with uplift the soul. Thunderous drums mix with solid bass and scratchy overdriven guitar, supporting the grating (yet breathy) vocals to create something that is unexplainably yet undeniably beautiful. They are apt performers, a tight band, and talented musicians. Songs like the ballad-like ‘Devoid of Reason’, and epic soaring anthem ‘Is it Ever Gonna Happen?’ touch the soul in a truly poignant manner. And then when you think you have them sussed, they come out with ‘Questions’, a quirky, non-stop, balls-out punky song, which is like their other songs, but faster, darker and louder. And on top of all this, it turns out that they are humble, friendly and genuinely sweet blokes. The singer says little until the end, but when he does, he is soft spoken and thankful to the audience for staying and watching their whole set. Unpredictable yet aurally pleasing, and amiable to boot, Radiate get my vote without question.

Headliners THE MISNOMER surprise me, I must admit. Upon seeing them, I expect to be reviewing your regular Average-Joe Emo band. And I must say it’s a very pleasant surprise to be proved wrong. They appear to combine the best of many different genres. The safest bet is to call them alternative rock. The vocalist is reminiscent of Billie-Joe Armstrong (Greenday), and yet the guitars are heavier than that, and the riffs are more reminiscent of Scottish prog-emo nutters Biffy Clyro. They are extremely angular, never predictable or overly poppy. They are beautifully tight and musically proficient, and they all show showmanship, flair, and not a little experience. Where less mature bands would respond badly to criticism, when faced with an abusive member of the crowd who mocks them, before taking a swing at one of their fans (while being escorted from the café, I hasten to add), they simply get on with the job at hand, even singing the lyrics wryly to their abuser as he leaves. These guys are definitely worth a listen, as they raise the bar, technically, for the other local acts around at the moment, and provide excellent entertainment and a good show.

Unfortunately I won’t be in the country for the next gig, and the one after that has been cancelled, but I leave you in the capable hands of Damien, who will fill in for me whilst I am away, and will make my return on the 30 th of June. Until then;

Take Care,

Jamie Webster