Surfless + Fallout + 2 Shots Scarlett + Fingerless Hoodlum - Messclean, Portsmouth. 01/07/05

Fingerless Hoodlum is just one man and his acoustic guitar hiding behind a wave of nerves, at times he his barely there such is the delicate nature of his songs. Admittedly, the chattering at the bar is in danger of wiping him out completely, but for those of us straining to hear we are rewarded with some fine tunes; think Johnny Cash doing sad sailor laments so fragile a gentle breeze could break them. A captivating set for those interested.

2 Shots Scarlett are also working as an acoustic act tonight but are far more in your face and screaming for attention. They start with a cover of 'Wicked Games' and it's clear that the female vocalist packs a fair punch, luckily their own material holds up well and comes across as good rock songs stripped of all the unnecessary thrills.

Another indie band mining the same vein as Verve etc. Fallout aim for that epic rock sound but in all truth they are a little dull; I find my mind wandering as nice melodies float past but don't take root. The problem I have with this type of music is that it is very safe and just not challenging; sure it's played well and would probably sound fine on the radio as background music but for me there is not enough interest.

Unfortunately by the time Surfless take the stage half the audience has gone but they give it their all anyway. Surfless have a big alternative melodic sound that is quite uplifting when it works well but you get the feeling it just isn't clicking tonight and at times some of the band look bored apart from the frontman who is his usual bundle of energy. A good band on their day but tonight is a bit of an anti-climax