WEDNESDAY
Blessing @ Mohawk inside. Powerhouse soul vocalist reminiscent of Joan Armatrading. Great stage presence and chat. Amazing dreadlocked look capped w a visor. Some interesting songs especially the last two in her set. A future star. 4 stars
Just Mustard @ Seven Grand. Gothic looking female vocalist with a very sweet voice at times and others strong and loud. Music is very interesting alternative rock – these guys have a very bright future. 5 stars
Phoebe Starr @ Australian House. Gorgeous sultry vocalist Phoebe Starr is a singer songwriter who has had a near decade career already. This independent artist can still very much cut it. Heartfelt lyrics. Maybe one of Australia’s best kept secrets. 4 stars
Tom West @ Australian House. The first track sounds like Dire Straits mixed with Bob Marley’s No Woman No Pride…. Great voice but I feel this artist doesn’t know who he is. In simple terms this artist isn’t ready to be unleased onto the world – it may come in the future. 2.5 stars
Jo Schornikow @ Australian House. Chilled singer songwriter – catchy downbeat songs that definitely keep your attention. Gorgeous vocals. Clearly a real talent. 4 stars
DETAILJI @The Finnish Motel at Antoine’s. A super cool female electro artist- just her and a keyboard on stage – the sound filling the entire space. Gorgeous vocals set to hypnotic beats. 4 stars
Gustaf @ Augustine’s. Indie crème de la crème female fronted band with talky style vocals. Maybe too cool for school. A vibe but where are the songs? 2.5 stars
Bad Waitress @ Lustre Pearl. 3 piece all girl band, shouty alternative rock mix of Lush and Elastica. Fresh, young, cool – the bomb loved it. 5 stars
FANCLUBWALLET @ Swan Dive. Great songs from this Canadian female fronted guitar pop band. They are surely soon chart bound 4.5 stars
Antti Paalanen @ Antones. Enigmatic solo Finnish accordion player performing dance / trance music. Funny quips between songs makes this a must see act. He simply blew the roof off leaving the audience wanting more!! 4.5 stars
Cyan Kicks @ The Finland Motel. A star is born in the shape of stunning vocalist Susanna Aleksandra. The whole band not only sound amazing but look fantastic too. Powerhouse rock songs that will easily translate from their nation of Finland to the global stage. This is a stadium band in the making. 5 stars
Thursday
Max Pope @ MMF brunch @ Cedars Street Courtyard. Young Bluesy singer songwriter with beautiful tones. His voice is like pure silk gorgeous! 4.5 stars
George Riley. This young vocalist is a bit out of her depth at this show. She’s off time and off key throughout her short set. There are glimmers of her talent here and there. I’m sure it’s the nerves that got to her, but this artist isn’t ready to take on this industry showcase. 2 stars
CHERYM @ Cedar Street for Output Belfast. 3 piece all girl punk band from Derry. Bags of attitude and catchy songs with great harmonies, what’s not to like?!? 4.5 stars
Cara Hammond @ Swan Dive. Hard to believe that this young songstress is Welsh – she sounds like a polished American. Her beautiful voice resonates. She sells her songs with her heartfelt lyrics coupled with a strong intense tone of voice that surely comes with someone twice her age. A true talent. 4 stars
Bayleigh Cheek @ Esther’s Follies. With an undertone that reminds me of Radiohead, this young artist could certainly give Thom Yorke a run for his money from a vocal standpoint. I think song writing wise she needs to find her own path though. Promising. 3 stars
Sprints @ Velveeta Room. Dark shouty alternative garage pop group from Dublin. This 4-piece group is a force to be recognised. The feisty front woman takes command of the stage like a red rag to a bull, and she can certainly rock her guitar! Interesting songs to boot. They certainly leave the audience wanting more. 4 stars
Rollerderby @ Mohawks inside. 4 piece from Berlin. Sadly, this bad were totally underwhelming. Predictable lyrics with no substance, off key vocalist and the songs simply didn’t cut the mustard. Only redeeming factor was the jaunty guitar player which is why I gave this band one star.
Bandicoot @ swan dive. A singer with swagger and a band to match. Great songs, vibe and incredible guitar riffs. This band is 100 percent one to watch and are ready to take things to another level. Undeniably brilliant. 5 stars
New Dad @ Velveeta Room. A capacity room and you can tell why! Wow simply amazing catchy songs. A touch of The Cure but in honesty they are paving their own way. 5 stars
The Wild Feathers @ Augustine. Middle of the road guitar pop with a slight country slant. Not my cup of tea but what they do is good. Just doesn’t rock my world. 4 stars
Her Skin @ The Drafting Room. Her Skin is independent singer songwriter Sara Ammendolia who hails from Modena in Italy. Beautifully crafted songs -In parts reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac. She leaves space in the songs which makes the subtlety of her melodies stand out. An artist with both integrity and longevity and soon the world will know about her talent. She’s certainly got under my skin. 5 stars
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