You're Smiling Now But We'll All Turn Into Demons + Paper Cuts + K'Junga + Silicon Sun - Messclean, Portsmouth. 12/08/05.

Silicon Sun have that wonderful just walked in off the street feel about them, they all look so different that they look like they've been put together at a mix n match sale. Music wise however, they know exactly what they are doing as they hit a nice loose stoner groove, sexy snake like bass weaves around shimmering Hendrix guitars that work towards freakouts before being brought back down to earth. There are decent tunes in here too with a bit of pop sensibility that make the tracks stand out; Silicon Sun seem to improve each time I see them and they come across as perfectly natural which is part of their charm and the way they ease into a slinky groove is most appealing.

Probably the most popular band on the bill tonight judging by the amount of people down the front, are K'Junga, who also happen to be the most ordinary band on the bill. They are a metal band of the Nu-ish variety, plenty of huff and puff and power riffing but it all becomes a blur after a while with nothing standing out apart from when they slow it down to do a big power ballad that Nickelback would be proud of. When push comes to shove they are playing safe material that they know will appeal to a young set of metal fans but us oldies need something a little more challenging.

Paper Cuts are visiting from big London town and are fronted by Ross Cummins, once of Symposium fame. It would appear that many at Messclean tonight are not aware of who they are and this gives the gig an air of secrecy but it doesn't stop Paper Cuts performing an impressive set of arty indie rock and it would appear that Ross has lost none of his appetite or energy for showmanship as he spends much of the set running about or hanging from the pipes on the ceiling; when doing nothing inbetween he attacks the keyboard in that one finger style so popular with people who can't really play a note. He has an acomplished band behind him who look comfortable on stage and one can only imagine that it won't be long before they get snapped up by a label and are gracing the pages of bigger publications.

I love The Demons, simple as that. They are pure rock n roll energy and tonight they are on top form hammering down the fast lane with sparks flying behind as the roar of the bastard sons of MC5 and The Stooges mug you with a barrage of noise and abstract rock. With The Demons there is no focal point, although Richie is in normal terms the frontman, he spends much of the set away from the mic mudering his bass as the noise whips up a storm around him, this lack of a focal point allows one to become immersed in the Demons sonic waves as it washes over and around you becoming almost hypnotic as it powers on. Tonight The Demons show us why they are probably one of the best rock bands in the South.