GiggingNI.com

The night started off in an unfortunate manner with Avenger's Code sadly having to pull out just before the gig - this gig was for those guys and there was no-one better to represent it than a Texas-bound three-piece who have roared their way into the limelight lately that go by the name of Strait Laces. Having played the FourLive Christmas Special, it was proof that they needed to come back to play to a crowd who rate them very highly.

Kicking off the night were Rogue Showman and despite only being a new band on the scene (and this being their second gig!) they really did rally the audience into a frenzy of cheers and teenage screams after every song. The three-piece tore through quite a long set featuring the likes of 'No Use for Good Girls', a song which has quirky lyrics and hooking melodies striking similarities to The Libertines and the Strokes, and the fantastic 'Who Wants to Live Past 60?' - clearly in the future will be the band's claim to fame. Lead singer Chris McCurry led the band successfully, despite showing some nerves at the start understandably, as drummer Phil Rea sat behind but bassist Tom Balfour stole the show with his performing for the crowd. A thoroughly enjoyable set from a new band on the scene and yet another band to look out for, especially if you're a fan of the Libertines.

Next up, and the headline act for tonight, were Strait Laces and they came onto the stage with a bang. One thing I've noticed over the past couple of months is their sound has definitely developed into a more aggressive one, killing that image of Arctic Monkeys and pop-indie melodies, it's just straight up rock now and I love it. New songs such as 'Kissing in the Riechstag' (possibly my new favourite song!) and the utterly brilliant 'Where the Wolf Roam' will surely see the band receive much positive feedback during their trip to Texas for SxSW and deservedly so. Still offering the crowd the opportunity to dance, 'Clap', one of the band's more poppier tunes, was performed and sung throughout the venue by crowd members and band alike. Some people may not like the new sound, some people might love the new sound in comparsion to their old one but one thing is for sure, this band still gives it 110% everytime they step onto any stage.

Venue: Shadow Rooms, Carrickfergus - Date: 26/2/2010

GiggingNI.com Rating: 8/10 - Review By: Mark Dunn