As Martin was away at Rewind Festival for the weekend, Cameron Adie stepped in to do this review...
After what seemed like a lifetime since I last saw them, Battle of the bands winners and
Westfest performers, OHRIO's EP launch was finally here. Bringing along with them a
whole host of great Dundee bands which was always going to be a recipe for a fantastic
night and that's certainly what was served!
Up first was Ark Royal, a band which admittedly I hadn't heard of prior to the
announcement of this gig and have definitely been missing out.The four piece hailing
from dundee was the perfect way to get the night off to a rip roaring start and set the bar
for the rest of the evening.Taking influences from the likes of The Strokes and Franz
Ferdinand, Ark Royal bring a sense of freshness to the indie punk scene and divert away
from the norm. The powerful guitar solos and heavy hitting bass make for a great
cocktail for all to enjoy. If it wasn't for there admission then you would never have known
that the Friday prior was there first practice in 2 months. Ark Royal are 100% a band I
will be keeping my eye on.
Next to take the stage we had PLASMAS. Having proviously seen them at The Roques
single launch I knew I was in for a treat. With there psychadelic keys, and Bassist
Conor's (Sked) psychadelic hair, PLASMAS brought a great feel good atmosphere to
Church. Despite a couple of issues with the sound they seemlessly sailed through their
set with great tunes such as “Out of sight” and “Spark”. With there debut single
“Overblown”, fantatstic energy from Ross on vocals and awe-inspiring Oasis mix with
their song “So low”, their entire performance made for excellent listening and viewing
leaving the crowd wanting more.
The final support act was Blind Unicorn and much like Ark Royal I was entering this with
no knowledge of the band. The 3 piece consisting of a lead, a bassist and a drummer
are proof that sometimes less really is more.They had a heavier set than the other bands
on show playing tunes like “As bad” but make no mistake they were well up for it. On
vocals people may have recognised Simon Cruickshank who is the one usually
controlling the sound rather that making it, you got a sense that they truly have passion
for their sound and loved what they were creating which subsequently spreads into the
audience. Overall a rock solid first hometown gig for Blind Unicorn and a band that really
got everyone hyped and buzzing for the main event.
Last but certainly not least was OHRIO, now I must concede ever since first seeing them
at Westfest I have not stopped listening to them and was seriously looking forward this
gig. The professionalism and stage presence of the band was something to be admired
and a perfect example for anyone looking to persue music. Playing punchy songs such
as “Colours” a full band version of their song “Soilder” and obviously “Drowning” its easy
to see why they're gaining in popularity not just within the Scottish music scene but across the globe. As with any OHRIO gig, for those of you that have been and too the
people who haven't Why not?!, the intensity and love for what they were doing was
ever evident in their set right through from Declans lyrics to Johns drums it was truely a
feast for the ears. In all the future is definitely bright for the OHRIO lads and im glad I
was there to experience such a memorable and important night in the bands
progression.
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