Volume Control: Clash Of The New Breeds - Oh Yeah! Centre, Friday 9th November 2018

Volume Control: Clash Of The New Breeds - Oh Yeah! Centre, Friday 9th November 2018

The rain pounded on the brim of my hat with a scornful vengeance. I wonder briefly what I did to piss of lady Eire on this night and why I chose canvas shoes instead of my boots. "At least there won't be a line" I shrug to myself. I round the corner to Gordon Street and curse, aloud and unashamedly.
Wrong. Nein. Do not collect £200 as you pass Go etc. The line of smoking students and musicians is out the door. Thankfully, it's fast moving. Ahead of me, two girls debate the economics of attempting to sneak alcohol in or simply downing it in the street. They opt for the latter. I’m so proud.

Volume Control, the youth run initiative sponsored by the Oh Yeah! centre, do a good job at filling out the hall. Their gig, a battle of the bands populated by the new local blood, is popular and well run. The DJ blasts Fleetwood Mac - “Thunder, only happens, when it raaaaiins...” Hilarious. - and groups of punters and roadies mill around, adding final adjustments and assuming positions. A night as much about education as it was about entertainment, there was a little something for everyone. From the Celtic harmonies of Taob Eile, the atmospheric soul of Eilis Mulholland, the indie pop of Vale and the punk riddled chops of Gender Chores, the local scene is in good hands.

Of the acts that played on the night, three, in particular, stood out. The earliest of the trio, Paul + The Meanie, brought a funky swing to their indie rock sound. Chunky and toothy with plenty of rock pedigree, they played a simple and accessible set headlined by dance floor fillers and mosh pit magnetism. Surprisingly soulful vocal helped set them apart from the field of their contemporaries, giving them an intensity missing from the run of the mill three-piece. They received my vote for the most impressive act.

The second group to catch my ear were no-nonsense Belfast rockers Red House. Seemingly appearing on everyone's radar recently thanks to their punchy, addictive vibe, surprisingly sinister take on indie rock and their whip-sharp delivery, Red House converted an entire crowd by their third song. Snarling guitars were reminiscent of early Arctic Monkeys/Zutons riffs, filled with murk and acrimony. Each tune brought on a new wave of excitement from the crowd, who had clearly picked their favourite so far.

Lastly was The Fake Flirtations, who coincidentally closed out the night. A more mature sound than their competition, a sharp control of the pace and plenty of variation in tone kept their set fresh and free. Playfully poppy one moment and then full of grits and distortion the next, Flirtations brought an element of assurance that created a fuller, more fleshed out sound that kept the pressure on from start to finish. 


Ultimately, indie-popper Vale took home the first prize, with Red House and Paul +The Meanie taking home silver and bronze respectively. A successful night and a statement for the More Volume crowd, who proved themselves more than capable of putting on a successful and hit-filled concert. 

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