Sophie and The Giants steal the show

A cold Monday night, December 5th, was quickly warmed up at Bleach when a young band from Guildford took to the stage. A band that have a lot going for them in both personality and music. First off, the guitarist Ciaran Walsh exudes a swagger onstage which combined with interesting guitar effects and solos keep your eye drawn to him so as to not miss what quirky but really good piece of playing will be coming next. Their front woman, Sophie Scott has an onstage personality that goes between supremely confident and at times vulnerable which gives her a very endearing stage presence.

The bands alternative/indie rock sound has hooks, bite, but also an interesting atmospheric quality down to the use of guitar tones that incorporate modulation of the tone and pitch. Although they are the second band on of four in total, their performance justifies a headline slot whenever they grace the south coast next.

The headline slot on this gig however belongs to another young band, Vellocet. Another alternative rock band who are a Brighton band with big plans. They have a new single called "Better Days" which has been released and the video and song looks and sounds well produced. Somehow though when you hear it live it just doesn't have the same impact as the recorded version, which is a shame.

The band music is far from forgettable and lead guitarist Jordan Bremble's enthusiastic stage manner is a memorable part of their set, but after witnessing Sophie and The Giants' performance earlier in the night I can't help but feel that the headline slot should have been theirs. Big things await for the Guildford foursome!