Midnight Transmission, Eyes See Blind, Kobi, Jifubuki and Sons of Encouragement
This was a great gig to kick start St Paddy’s celebrations prematurely. For a Wednesday night gig there was a decent turnout. Let us see if Cryptic Promotions can repeat the success of his relaunch night next month. For me the gig upstairs had 2 real highlights and 1 surprising highlight. Before I delve into my picks of the night, 2 bands that didn’t really stand out for me were Sons of Encouragement and Eyes See Blind. Sons of Encouragement aim to have that Pop Punk sound, similar to Blink 182. They have the sound nailed in my opinion and they have a great on stage performance with creative playing from front man, Matthew Duly. Only real criticism of the band is the vocals. A lot of bands trying for this sound seem to have the problem with vocals, possibly because they are all trying to imitate Tom Delonge. I think if they work on their vocals and get their own vocal identity they will sound a lot better. If you are between the age of 12 and 16 definitely worth checking out, or even if you are into Pop Punk I would suggest giving them a look. The other band that just didn’t cut it for me was Eyes See Blind or as I aptly renamed them for myself “Ears Hear Deaf”. As much as I can’t stand Indie music, I just hate music that isn’t music, for example Metalcore. I just didn’t get what they were trying to do whether it was play as many notes at the same time or just in general destroy the backline.  To me it wasn’t music it was just noise. I am sure whatever it is they are doing they are doing it well, however it is hard to know as I couldn’t hear anything past the prattle and feedbackish noise they were making. If you are into Metalcore (I don’t know how anyone could be) definitely give them a look. I just don’t get it.
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Kobi - Four Man Wrecking Machine

As for the rest of the line-up well first off I am very glad to see KOBI again. These guys have been about for a while and have evolving constantly as a band. The dynamic between front man Zteveo Harrison and drummer Warren Boyd is something beautiful. The two very differently vocal styling’s of these guys goes hand in hand. This band had the girls in the audience up dancing and eating out of their hands the entire set. Kobi currently have an ep out called “Four Man Wrecking Machine”, I suggest getting to a Kobi gig and getting it as it is a must have from a local band.
Fury’s Verdict: Kobi will be around a long time, their sound will constantly evolve with the times and that is a sign of a growing and mature band.
The big surprise of the night for me was an instrumental spacey Jazz quartet called JIFUBUKI. Again I don’t get instrumental bands, there is only so far a band can go without a vocalist in my opinion as I don’t think there is a market for it outside elevators. HOWEVER, and this truly was to my surprise, Jifubuki are absolutely out of this world! These musicians are talented, tamed, well honed and in general this band is a well oiled machine of music magic. If you ever see this band on a gig bill go. I am not joking this is probably the best instrumental band in the country...that includes ASIWYFA in my opinion.
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Jifubuki Live at the Playhouse
Fury’s Verdict: Despite the band having a lack of vocals I think they are definitely worth checking out. Catch 22 though, I don’t think they will progress as a band without a singer.
The highlight of the gig tonight was by far MIDNIGHT TRANSMISSION. This band has changed for the better in so many ways. Despite the fact they play way too many gigs and that in my opinion, it is possibly holding them back from playing to bigger audiences regularly, this band is an absolute delight. A real classic rock band yet with modern influences added into it that makes their music more relevant than classic. Vocalist, James Watson, has improved as a performer and singer. Hitting almost every note when screaming and with that English accent coming through in his voice from time to time it just makes his voice more appealing. Drummer Stevie Curtis is possibly one of the only drummers with a front man personality. He is seen and heard during songs and this guy is obviously the heart and soul of the band. The bass player, Ricky Baird, is subtle yet heavy. Providing backing vocals that compliment James voice this is a dynamic duo that could rival Batman and Robin. Then as for the guitarists Elliot Patterson and Dan Schuman are possibly one of the top guitar partnerships around at the minute. Elliot plays everything so naturally and has the presence that even Slash would envy. Dan Schuman gives the band a slightly heavier edge which completes the sound. My only criticism for Dan is that when he plays a solo he kind of hangs back, in every solo people still look at Elliot. I think Dan needs to grab that spotlight off Elliot during his solos. Honestly though guys I reckon Midnight Transmission are a “watch-this-space” band. I think they will go a long, long way.
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Midnight Transmission
Fury’s Verdict: flawless performance and well conducted off stage. Hurry up and get an ep out guys!
The gig upstairs was not the only thing going on in Ma Nelsons. Downstairs was the DFR Events Open Mic Night. This was a great night for talent in Ma Nelsons with Mike Donaghy taking to the mic and entertaining the masses. Mike is one of those rare gems in local acoustic acts and you really must check this guy out. Other talent of note downstairs had Kat Little and Emma Hughes grab the spotlight to finish a night of fantastic vocals and great songs. Ma’s regular acoustic legend Stuart Higgins was also involved in this tonight and as usual played his own material with “Wildhearts” influenced riffage. The first guy I checked out at the start of the night I can’t remember his surname but I believe his first name was Dominic, well he was absolutely brilliant. Setback’s leading Lady Eilisha Fitzpatrick even took to the stage and was absolutely fantastic. I said it before and I will say it again, I prefer her softer voice on her acoustic stuff opposed to her huskiness of Setback. That goes to show this girls amazing range and vocal ability. Highlight for me was second time performer Maddie Mew, this girl’s voice was incredible. Something in it reminded me of Jessie J, I can’t put my finger on it. Keep on practicing the guitar though and shake the nerves cause that was a great performance from her. Yet again another great open mic night in Ma Nelsons from DFR events. Be sure to get in touch with Kris Samuel if you want to get your name down for some Wednesday in there as it really is a great night out and a decent atmosphere.
That’s all for this week. Double-Wide “18 Wheels of Misery” review will be coming very soon. Along with a gig review of tonic Nights in Bangor, Shoctopuss in the Pavilion and Sister Marko’s debut ep. Keep on rocking and support your local bands!

Authors: Scott Wilson

Read More: http://skotfury.blogspot.com/2011/03/cryptic-promotions-st-paddys-pre-swall.html