Ignition Unsigned Band Showcase

First on stage tonight were Lucas, whose songs were melodic and meandering but with enough unexpected twists to maintain interest, and an ultra-confident singer boasting a voice like Vedder's, but with high notes. The band were very tight, although risked alienating their audience by going through the motions with an air of 'we're just too good for this' insouciance. Still, Lucas are extremely fucking good, so perhaps the arrogance is justified.

Clouded Mouse are apparently so-called because if your vision's a bit blurry it looks like 'Crowded House', (which is just not a good enough reason.) They opened with a funky instrumental after a Stone Roses/Happy Mondays fashion and proceeded with a few good, gutsy songs, although some of their lyrics, like, "I am the winter sun" really erred on the wrong side of Kula Shaker (assuming there's a good side).

Boomslang brought us an okay line in big brash indie rock, with plenty of nice chirpy choruses. Their playing was a bit scrappy at times, and I doubt this was their best performance, but they did gain major points with a nostalgia-nudging cover of The Bangles' 'Manic Monday'.

Undermine provided the most unusual proposition of the evening, with a set-up comprising a decksmeister pumping out intelligent/industrial beats, one low-key guitarist and two MC's chanting and shouting, Prodigy-style, over the top. For the most part, things were fast and furious, but judging from the delicate quality of the samples, like the lilting piano used to stunning effect, I'm anticipating some interesting recordings from Undermine to match their intense live act.