The Vultures, Blue Sand & Superscape at the Adelphi - Saturday 20th March 04 By Cilla

This was one of those under-advertised gigs which do slip through the net sometimes, but which was really worth seeing. Really good atmosphere, friendly crowd and great music. I knew Superscape were playing and after watching them last week at the Welly, then hearing them do a stunning set on BBC Radio's Raw Talent, I really wanted to see them play again. I knew I wouldn't be disappointed.

The surprise for me was that the other bands who I'd not seen before were also well worth seeing.

First on were The Vultures. These are a young threesome describing themselves as a bunch of likely lads and their music as .. roaring guitar riffs with sharp, political lyrics. And this was their first ever live gig. They say they've been locked away writing their punk, garage and rock songs for the last few months - and I believe them. It was great to see some good old fashioned rock and roll riffs from such a young band.

They played 14 numbers in total - a feat for any band! For me, their music crashed through so many genres. They brought to mind memories of The Alarm, then a kind of heavy country (if there is such a thing); there was some Rolling Stones and a lot of early days punk. That raw, story telling sort of punk I can remember from the late 70's with simple, biting guitar and constant heavy drums.

The Vultures have really been working hard. They were never short of lyrics and while it was difficult to hear a lot of the words, I got the impression that there could be some deep, dark stuff going on there ... the end is nigh..

So, for a first gig this was fantastic. I still can't believe that they played so much original material. At times their lack of experience on stage together was apparent - in places the vocals were a little weak but I feel sure that with the experience of more live gigs under their belt, The Vultures will get better and better. Their next gig is at the White Room on Saturday 3rd April, admission free.

I had no idea who the next band were. I hadn't seen them before. And it wasn't until their second or third song that the guitarist/vocalist/front man put me out of my misery and said they were Blue Sand. Well, I'd heard of them. Not sure where, but I knew that name.

This band brought some supporters with them. I was interested to see if they lived up to the obvious adulation! Well, their first song, Spectre started them off in exactly the right place. From then on, everything seemed right about this band. Each song was tuneful, melodic and so well put together. The audience really loved them.

Indie and Rock and a splash of punk. They were good, really good. And then he mentioned Raw Talent and how the next song was played almost weekly on the show. That's IT, I thought, That's where I'd heard the name before.. and they went on to play a song that I did recognise - not sure, but I think it's called Washed Up.

So, another unsigned local talent. Alan Raw is right to rate this band. Blue Sand is a really exciting, refreshing and vibrant band. And I must just say that to see a female bass player was bloody fantastic! They saved their epic (the one that makes your skin tingle) till the end - marvellous vocals and something new and slightly different to all the others.

Maybe they're moving on and that's such a healthy sign. Speaking to them afterwards, I was amazed to hear that they find it difficult to get gigs in Hull. I really wonder why? Come on you gig organisers, do yourselves and the audiences a favour! I want to see much more of these. Blue Sand will be playing next at the Linnet and Lark, Princes Ave on Thursday 1st April.

Last on the bill was Superscape. It's not difficult to like this band. They relish what they do. You can see it and feel it as soon as they take to the stage.

Perhaps it's because I've only heard them play a couple of times but I do feel that each time I listen to their music, I hear more than I heard the last time. This time there were sounds of Yes but 21st century Yes and some tinkly U2ish kind of guitar touches too. The Unforgettable Fire sprang to mind.

Lulled seemed full of emotion and I loved it! Their music is grown up - and allows them to experiment with all sorts of electronic bits which they introduce into some of the songs.

And after their brilliant rendition of Mote, the crowd just had to have some more - Superscape had no choice but to come back and do another song. They were great! www.superscapemusic.co.uk Well done, Paul Adelphi Jackson. A really cool night!

Lucy Mellor and Lauren Cooper pictured left.

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