Uncle Social, Runaway Bears, Bunny and the Band Its
The Hudson Bar, Friday 6th September 2013
Dressed like they literally just stepped out of the obscure world of The Mighty Boosh, it's evident from early on that Belfast's 'Bunny and the Band Its' are a band on a mission. Exactly what that mission is however, is never really elaborated upon. Bunny's unique blend of Rage Against the Machine styled hip-hop, is cleverly infused with distinct rock overtones, much to the delight of their small, but dedicated fan base.
You feel that the band's eccentricities, which includes their bassist sitting with legs crossed throughout, each member wearing a distinctive mask and a skewered toy rabbit on the end of a spear as a mascot, may not be so well received in other venues. Tonight, the audience seem to embrace every unusual weapon in Bunny's arsenal, but it may also prove to be a hindrance for the group, as the spectacle proves more memorable than the music.
Highlights come in the shape of 'Open Your Eyes' ('A political song...probably'), which see's the group fire chunks of lettuce into the crowd during synthesised bells and well executed riffs. The bands belief in their own songs is infectious, as the audience scream back every lyric with equal vigor and frustration. As they play their final track, (a Bob Marley and the Wailers styled anthem with promiscuous connotations...) you get the feeling that to get appreciated for the excellent musicians they are, they'll need to tone it down a bit. Having said that, perhaps it's the gigs that have inflatable crowd surfing palm tree's and one of the Seven dwarfs on drums that are really worth remembering.
Next on the bill are Lisburn based hard rock three piece, The Runaway Bears. Initially gazing right into the heart of the expectant crowd, when The Bears finally start their distortion heavy set, their explosive energy reignites the spark left by Bunny and the Banned Its. Lead vocalist Nathan 'Brick' Smith's confidence improves as the set goes on, and he begins to seamlessly control the crowd. This comes after a mainly instrumentalist period, which, at times, sounds more like a backing track than the full frontal assault with which Runaway Bears have forged their reputation. Thankfully these guitar driven lulls soon ascende into serenity, as the bands softer, more melodic side comes to the surface.
Uncle Socialare a band that have shunned the perpetual stereotypes of social networking and instead concentrate on the craft of quality song writing and effortless frontmanship. What's immediate about Uncle Social is that they have a massive sound, jangling guitar riffs and note perfect bass riffs resonating around the tiny venue. It's as engaging as the acts which preceded them, with a minimalist approach that is in many ways the antithesis of the venue itself. Donal Scullion's strong vocal delivery is emotive, yet strikingly raw as the band get the audience jumping with their Biffy Clyro tinged rock. In an atmospheric set, Uncle Social find the perfect balance between languid relaxation and energy, and prove to be a worthy headline act to a show filled with passion, anger and, at times, absolute madness.
Taylor Johnson
