Thanks so much for coming down to support Underground 19.
Thanks to EDGE and ASAHI for supporting our events!
One of the best Underground nights ever! Keep coming back!
love Chris B xx
Rudy Mark
Dressed casually in jeans, red Tshirt and Andy Capp cap, Rudy played his acoustic guitar and vocals in a sort of jerky “Gang of Four” choppy guitar style mixed in a bit of Billy Brag. Hints of mellow Roy HARPER and Leo Kottke delicate finger picking. Audience suggestions range from “very John Mayor” to “a male Tracy Chapman”. Very pleasant strummage despite slightly nervous and hungover from previous night out.
Awarded: “Best Solo Singer/Guitarist of Underground 19”
Nick Lovatt
Mental Vehicle
Whole band is wearing shirts with a red star on the chest. Music is Van Halen style guitar (some Steve Vai in there with melodic postpunk riffs and offbeat electronic (with Shave and A Haircut… 2 bits on guitar) Loopy keyboards guy has a cool Ramones style haircut. Their song “The Closest” is very early Roxy Music (except no horns or saxs) meets Echoboy via Beastie Boys and Joe Meek. Their groupies are upfront. Conducting the spirit of Hardpack with their musical mishmash. Six musical directions looking to crash together somewhere…. They are comfortable on stage not as nervous as Rudy Mark. Last track with the guest vocalist from An Id Signal adding some death metal vox, great end to a very interesting set. Definitely worth watching this band – with their non-give-a-fuck-about-professionalism-attitude!
Awarded: “Most Out There Band of Underground 19”
Nick Lovatt
ChoChukMo
Singer announces that “He really likes Mental Vehicle – best band in HK”. A 4 piece with a female bassist. 80’s punk-pop-rock style hinting of Moden English/Vapours and the soundtrack to “Not Another Teen Movie” filtered through a haze of Blink182 cum Offspring/Anthrax – great drum/bass combo. With songs titled such as “What the fuck..?”, this band is BETTER (to me) than Franz Ferdinand (who just seem to write jarring ugly tunes). During the catchy song “Caroline” there’s heavy moshing and crowd surfing happening. ChoChukMo have the live appeal of The Outlaws (check out the song “High Tides & Green Grass”) and also REO Speedwagon before they went power ballad.
Awarded: “Most Cool Pop Punk Band of Underground 19”
Nick Lovatt
| Spodac SPODAC have a lot to live up to now. They start off rocking, in fact this is a rocking power trio with an energetic vocalist (like a heavy Hot Tuna). Songs reflecting on Friday nights and Lotus Flowers (which could have come off the soundtrack of “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”). Power rock music crossed with some Jam style moves (listen to “Disguises”). With Shades of Groundhogs and early Budgie (70s sound). Cool vocalist walk round. Awarded “Most Professional Big Sounding Rock Band of Underground 19” Nick Lovatt |
Finally a big hands up to the sound & lighting crew of Alexis & Steph! You did great guys!
Above photos © Copyright 2006 by Willem Van Der Merwe
except photos from Rudy Mark section by Chris B
Poster by Mike Davis
