Gig review: Band Quest Kent Alt Final @ Bull n Vic - 23/05/10
One of the advantages of having non-metal bands under the 'alternative' umbrella is that you can have such an array of eclectic talent under one roof on an given day. Throughout the Band Quest competition the Kent Alternative category has probably been the most diverse and the final was no different.
Thanks to Escape From Alcatraz's last minute absence it was up to Maidstone trio EVERYONE'S STRAIGHT BUT KATE (7/10) to get things moving. Their quirky indie approach proved to be the perfect start to twelve hours of quality music. Despite being new to the game the bands character shone through, with each song containing a loose but catchy chorus. Alongside the music the cheeky banter with the crowd provided a refreshing and light-hearted air to the first half of the day.
The initial calmness is broken once THE CONSPIRACY THEORY (6) unleash their garage-style progressive rock on an unsuspecting public. The harshness of their sound would lend itself to a heavier direction but it is somehow restrained by their progressive leanings. This makes it hard for the band to really connect with the crowd today but this doesn't mean they are disappointing. Their set ends to a generous applause.
It was unfortunate THE GRAFTERS (7.5) were a man down for the final as they have really been one of the local discoveries of the year. Minus drums they performed an acoustic set which maybe lacked the full punch and swagger their Rolling Stones inspired rock deserves but at the same time showcased just how good their songs really are. 'She can't be the one' is merely one highlight of a fine set.
If The Grafters are one of the best new bands then STRANGERS LANE (7.5) are the surprise package. With four ex-Equinox members you could be excused for wondering where all the Dream Theater-esque mutterings have gone. In truth Equinox has been exposed as a form of musical straight-jacket for individual members as the bluesy 70s rock they belt out today goes down a storm. The rhythm section provides a sometimes funky spine to some of the finest guitar solos of the day from Anthony Rogers. The likes of 'Weeping' basks in a jam-like state, never losing cohesion and keeping one of the biggest crowds of the day moving throughout. Front man Warren Holmes may at times sing like an American preacher, but he's enthusiasm is infectious and so is the set.
It's been a long hard trip for THIS BLANK PAGE (7), surviving a potentially lethal car accident earlier in the year on top of a long trek from Colchester each time they played their Band Quest heats. It wasn't just determination that got them to the final but a collection of top songs like 'Voodoo in the basement' which Prince would have been proud of writing. Their highly melodic tunes manage to touch everything from jazz to indie to funk to pop. Today the keyboards are little further down in the mix giving the band a more gritty sound. This doesn't seem to bother the crowd though. This Blank Page have picked up a lot of new fans in Band Quest this year and deservedly so.
Compared to most of the other bands in the final TRASH MONROE (8) are further down the line. Their debut album is already out; they have played at popular venues in London such as the Gaff and supported the likes of Die So Fluid. The trash rock buzz of 'Lord loss' and 'Is this it' are among the best songs of the day, with singer Melany Dantes showcasing her superb vocal prowess. Her voice along with some nice guitar work from Brad Hurr leaves the crowd transfixed, the slower numbers taking them on a musical journey that will last in the memories of the Dartford throng for a long time to come.
CITIES FALL SILENT (8) come armed with the biggest support and a clutch of irrisistable alternative pop punk nuggets. In what must be the most entergetic set of the day they slam the crowd into submission, with 'Confess! Confess!' doing the most damage. The guest vocalists (including Subversion keyboardist Chaz Barnes) add another layer to a superb Band Quest Kent Alternative title winning display.
Only last year COLT.44 (7.5) were playing in the Kent Metal final, and were one of the lightest bands on taking part. This year they have been one of the heaviest bands in the Kent Alternative heats but that hasn't stopped them reaching the final, becoming the first band ever to reach the finals in 2 different categories in the process. 'Tear myself away' is just one example of why they have been so successful, its chorus managing to combine all what was good about 90s hard rock into a tightly packed ball of energy. Main man Adam Jerome leaps around while hammering the guitar and spitting the lyrics in a fine performance that ends the competitive portion of the day in style.
The first of the special guest headliners were emo four-piece KYOTO DRIVE (7.5) from Birmingham who manage to unleash the catchiest set of songs heard in Dartford for a long time. The fact that more than half of the crowd disappeared outside because their 'mates' band had finished playing says a lot about peoples attitudes towards music. Kyoto Drive take it in their stride though and their professionalism and song writing ability shines through.
It's not hard to see why IN THE RED (7.5) won last years Alternative final. Their songs have a certain majesty about them, sounding important and effective as well as hitting the target. As their classic rock inspired set comes to an end the Kent Alternative side of Band Quest is over for another year.
Review by Alan Hicks