GiggingNI.com

Dessert Hearts

With Dutch Schultz; Strait Laces; Before Machines;

As part of the trans:mission festival, the Waterfront took turn to be the host, after The Stiff Kitten hosted Moon Unit the previous night, and this night proved to be somewhat of a tiring success. If you were one of ones rallying up and down the stairs every time one band finished to get to the next, you'll know what I mean - but well done to you! It seemed that upon arrival all the bands on show tonight, either in the Penthouse Bar or the Studio, would be in perfect timing so that when one band finished their set, you made your way down to the other hall where the next band came straight on stage - no waiting around for the next band to come on, that was the great thing! Throughout the night, the Waterfront's foyer started becoming like a 'Spot-The-Local-Band-Member' with people saying 'Oh! He's from..." all night long - which can only be good! With our other reviewers down in the main hall, I was sent to the Penthouse Bar to cover the bands upstairs.

First band on stage playing to a sweltering Thursday night sun, if nothing else, were Before Machines. Already a great band in my eyes after their great EP launch in Auntie Annies, they completely proved their worth at trans. Despite playing the most awkward and worst time on the night, 7pm, as soon as the doors opened and with the sun still high in the sky, they still attracted a crowd which appreciated them well after every song. With the sweat pouring off Andy Melville, vocals, Before Machines played a set which included 'There Was a Grand Alliance' and ended in the mighty anthem that is 'Silence You Win'. Definitely one of the best bands of the night all around, including the Studio, Before Machines will hopefully get even more great opportunities.

After Before Machines, John Shelly and the Creatures took to the stage downstairs in the Studio, but we awaited the arrival of the North coast bunch Strait Laces who were next to invade the Penthouse Bar stage. They were greeted by a decent crowd when they opened their set as the sun was starting to die down luckily but, as frontman David Hanna said, it was still so warm up there. Songs like 'Some May Revel in It' and 'Six of the Best' justified Strait Laces' demand to fill the 'massive f**king void', as described by drummer Pando, and a select few, including myself, moved closer to the stage to enjoy the rest of the set. Their great performance which included guitarist David roaming off the stage and onto the floor to rock out proved that they can put on a show, no matter how warm or how packed the room is and with more songs like 'Romantic Issues' and 'Clap', the set-finisher, it's obvious that these guys are going very well and from strength to strength and long may it continue.

As Seven Summits finished downstairs, the floor started to fill upstairs as everyone awaited the arrival of Dutch Schultz. What does everyone expect from these guys? Well, with a KKKK rating from Kerrang! and many other fantastic reviews, many expected a great performance coupled with tunes capable of bursting your eardrums. That's exactly what they got. Songs like 'Slice' and 'It Bends in the Middle' make you want to get up, sing along and mosh out and everyone even got a laugh - as the lads described, "They don't make porn like they used to in the 80's!" which seen the comical outburst of 'LA Cop-fucker'. Let's just say, I don't need to describe the song anymore or go into further detail. After a thoroughly enjoyable set and energetic performance, Dutch Schultz certainly gained a few more fans as well as their fans already evidently there, jumping around and loving it.

Now, after a set from Panda Kopanda downstairs, called for a historic moment in local music - the reunion gig of Desert Hearts. It was clear to see that this was a highly anticipated reunion as within minutes the crowd went from few to many, all gathering round to catch this moment - not to be missed. The three-piece whipped up a mix of indie beats and alternative rock to keep the crowd with all eyes on them throughout their great energetic set. Pounding riffs and addictive drum beats put Desert Hearts back up there among the best and they look like they are keen to stay there - it's for sure they certainly have the support. With a great performance from all, especially their frontman, it's for certain that they will be back - but will they? Where? When? Watch this space because you don't want to miss out on another gig of theirs.