A unique gig experience was upon me this evening, four bands or artists that I’ve never heard any music by. I’ve heard good things about “In This Moment” and “Versaemerge” but not about the other two, a good night in store?…possibly. Certainly this was a chance for the smaller bands of the Give It A Name event to shine in front of an eager audience (Something they might not get at the actual event). I would compare this night to Christmas because it’s like I’m receiving four presents not knowing what I’m getting until I open them. Would I unravel something great or just another pair of socks?
Lights
Lights started this intriguing evening with a huge slice of electro-pop mixed with more….electro-pop. (Yeah the keyboard setup before they came on was a bit of a give away to be fair). Each band was given a 30 minute set each to showcase their skills and build up momentum and possibly a few fans ahead of the upcoming GIAN and beyond. Lights achieved both with what I call “friendly songs” nice on the ear without really making any real impact. The crowd liked it thou especially “Ice” which Lights herself (yes that’s her full name, I’m not kidding) got the crowd to sing with her. The best bit about the set is that she was on first, making it a better all round half hour. A later showing and it would have been a different story.
Rating: 
Whole Wheat bread
Next where a three piece that where dressed in red t-shirts with the band logo and black waistcoats. It certainly looked striking enough and when I heard a punk filled sound to begin their set, I was somewhat surprised. It’s one that didn’t last, as I was slightly confused as to what sound WWB were going for. Punk/Hip-hop/Pop punk all were demonstrated in this short set. And even with all these genres the set dragged and early momentum was lost due to songs that lacked a striking tone. Again this band entertained the crowd but very few highlights.
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In this moment
Next up “In This Moment” a striking Maria Brink (Lead singer) entered the stage in a pink number that would get anyones attention without opening her vocal chords. This was better from song one, Maria has some voice it makes her stand out if the attire doesn’t. Tonight the sound of her band mates shadowed her singing voice. It was her shouting that made the impression showcasing a good set of lungs. Mix in a guitar solo or two and you got the biggest reaction from the crowd especially when current single “Forever” was blasted out. It was a good, strong and consistent set that won over fans tonight and should win new fans at GIAN.
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Versaemerge
As Versaemerge came I looked back to notice nearly half the people in the room had left and a lot of other people were at the bar at the back. It prompted Sierra (lead singer) to motion the crowd to come forward. Considering this was the last act it’s disappointing and weird that the headliner got the smallest crowd. For the people that stayed, a treat was on offer. VE made a big impression on me I got horrible feeling pre-gig that they would have a Paremore sound to them. But did they? hell no! not at all. The only band not to have an album out and only songs from ep’s to play, VE had far more stronger songs than any act here tonight put together. Strong opinion you might say, but the confidence not arrogance displayed here mixed with strong choruses and melodic bliss on offer made it a joy from start to finish, one to watch.
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