LSCD gig @ the backroom @ the bully, 20/02/00

LSCD is the main product of a Young Enterprise company for this year. Unlike OXCD2 who had high aims for the bands they wanted for the compilation, LSCD was much more realistic and found bands that reflect the Oxford music scene as it is. As a result there was a very eclectic mix of the bands performing at the launch gig.

Unsurprisingly there had to be a school band of some sort. Funktion took that position. They didn't really suit the whole situation of the night, because instead of the expected indie durge, they just played jazz. Mmm, nice.

It was a refreshing change to hear the first vocals of the night from X-hail. The lead singer of X-hail has a really powerful voice, and the stage presence to go with it. But although the songs were pleasant enough they didn't stand out. Every good band needs to have at least one stand out point, and for X-hail it's the lead vocals.

For Holy Roman Empire, the stand out point is definitely the cheesy songs. There are very few bands around, particularly in Oxford, who will grin their way through their entire set and then make you laugh as well. And who else could write a song about Benazir Bhutto?

Sometimes appearances can be deceptive. Suriki, in looks, looked liked they were an experimental guitar-mangling group. Surprisingly they were attempting to play a grander style. They were the tightest group on the night, and the bassist was excellent. Their music looks into the future, without playing around with synthesisers.

Vade Mecum however seemed to have been listening to far too much music from the 80s. There should be warnings at gigs that head-banging kills brain cells. And every single song was written in the same formula. Introduction. Silence. Loud verses and choruses. They're saying rock music is making a comeback. If it is like this. NOOOOOOOOOO!

As in any multi-band line up, there are some good bands and some band ones. This time the combination just tipped the balance in favour of promising bands. It is also a pretty good representation of the Oxford music scene as it is. Afterall to get to the good stuff you have to get through the bad too.