Upon arriving at the venue it was empty, it took about an hour before a crowd (more like a select audience) arrived. The room was empty and first band Boomhauer were reluctant to start due to the lack in numbers.

"Rather than just play songs the lead singer had various conversations with the audience, while the rest of the band ridiculed him for having a script"

However, it was worth the wait. They started with 'Outside', which to be honest is very similar, no exactly the same, musically to Feeder's 'High'. But forgetting this it's still a great song which demonstrates the energy and fun that's bundled up inside this band. Rather than just play songs the lead singer had various conversations with the audience, while the rest of the band ridiculed him for having a script. Throughout the set the lead singer demonstrated a brilliant range of vocals, going from incredibly high notes to rugged screams and holding any note that was sung. I'll say it now but I thought Boomhauer were the best band of the night and in my opinion one of the best bands I've seen from Dundee. A demonstration of the quality of Boomhauer can be found in a recent Kerrang where they managed to receive 4 K!'s for single 'Lipstick'. Their mixture of Feeder and Everclear works well and each band member place their instrument to the full. Well done guys, I look forward to seeing Boomhauer again soon.

One Inch Volcano took up the second support slot. These local favourites played a good show and got a good response from the audience. Perhaps the highlight of the set was the entire band (minus drummer) taking to the dance floor to finish it all off. To read a more in depth review of a One Inch Volcano gig go to the Biffy Clyro review.

When it came to Aereogrammes set a couple of the guys left the T-shirt stall to play the gig, perhaps this is a way of saving money because I doubt they're getting much if gigs are only selling 40 tickets! They graced the stage looking like they've just left the casting couch for 'Jesus Christ Supestar', donned in beard and long hair. The first song began as a slow, almost ballad like, song which gradually built into an alternative and powerful instrumental.

The songs played by Aereogramme were very varied, going from moving songs that sound like they'd make a Christmas number one, to tracks that really seem to be at a higher voltage than anything I've heard. During the set lead singer Craig made a few comments about how he used to always go to Broughty Ferry, this was responded to by a comment 'I thought you looked posh!'

"Unfortunately after a while the audience started to loose interest"

Then they broke into a chain of grunts (this is still the audience by the way) and Craig didn't know how to react other than let them know that they were only saying vowels. During the set the drummer Martin used a drum synthesizer, and he used it well, bringing different sounds and effects into the songs. Unfortunately after a while the audience started to loose interest. They were happy to stand on the dance floor, insult the band and then insult each other.

I think the problem with Aereogramme is that they are trying to be arty, but they just aren't quite there. It's a shame because I think these guys have the talent to make a good band, and to be honest if they carry on I hope they do.

A fan and his two mates, who I guess he dragged along, decided to put on their own show by pestering the band and the roadie. This didn't seem to bother the band as it was the only real crowd response they were getting.

When Aereogramme decided to finish they did it convincingly. For the last song the Roadie (or Guitar Tech.) came on to take the bass off Campbell, who took the guitar of Craig, leaving him to hold the mic and scream his lungs out. It really was like a different band had walked on stage. Perhaps this is the good thing about Aereogramme, they're varied. I think anyone would find a song of Aereogrammes that they like, but probably wont enjoy the rest.

I don't know what the band are up to now. They finish their tour in Glasgow on Saturday and I hope they're in the studio to start working on the next album. I didn't love their set but it was enjoyable and I think with a bit of work they will find what they're after. Find out more about Aereogramme at www.aereogramme.co.uk.

Big thanks to all the bands who played, to On Air East and of course to John at Beatgenerator. Don't forget to check out all the other gigs being put on in the following weeks, my recommendation is The Coral on 16th November - and if you miss the gig itself - be sure to check back for the write up...

Matt

Email me - if you have to... ;-)