Torpedoes + Wherewithal + Lax + Red Campion - Messclean, Portsmouth. 02/09/05

Every now and then you stumble across an opening band that leaves your jaw on the floor and Red Campion are one of those bands; far to good to be playing opening slots at small venues they are a five-piece that incorporate cello and violin into their wonderful sounds. For much of the set they delve into blusey folk cum celtic pop with classical elements, at times soft and melodic with lush vocals but they also know how to have a good time as is shown by the cracking cover of Children Of The Revolution which is mind blowing. Red Campion are a truly original band and well worth an hour of your time if they happen to be passing your way.

Lax are a five piece rock band going for that earnest Pearl Jam type vibe, it's basic classic rock done relatively well but ultimately heavy going and not very original which leaves not a lot to write about.

Wherewithal are a fine indie band creating a fair amount of interest for themselves; their sugar coated sweetness wrapped up in barbed wire kisses is a jangly mess of sexiness that bounces around the room and they deserve to be the next indie pin-ups with delicious songs like Sixth Form Poetry. It helps that they have a front lady who is totally bewitching and has just about everyone eating out of her hand while the rest of the band deliver an exciting blend of hard indie pop. Such is their confidence that they are able to deal easily with the hecklers who are shouting for the singer to take her top off when she comments on how hot it is and a good amount of banter follows but it does little to detract from the fine songs on offer.

Eighties crystal goth guitar sounds, you can't beat it and The Torpedoes do it so well you'd think they have just been transported forward through time from a Mission support back in the day. They mix that distinctive guitar sound with a healthy dose of rock n roll and dress it all in black with a hint of grime to good effect and while they are unlikely to break out of the underground it is always a pleasure to see fellow black hearted souls.