Reviews

My first trip to Rouges since it was known as 'Club 54' and I was pleasantly surprised by its new look. A large raised stage, good sound system plus it actually looks like a live music venue as opposed to its previous form of a dance club.

Doors opened at half past nine and it was nice to hear rock music coming out of the speakers of a nightclub. However when ten o'clock came around and there wasn't a soul in the place, it would appear that Guernsey's club prices are a slight deterrent for the humble rock fan.

Jon of The Escape Fall.

The Escape Fall were first up and to be honest were a band I was not looking forward to all that much. I'd never seen them but from what I'd heard they were firm members of a nationwide fad called 'emo'. A couple of songs in and, although their 'emo' stylings may not be to everyone's taste, they know what they are doing and they do it well.

There was a small semi circle of dancers around the stage for the most part of their set; however there was little movement and the applause from around the club at times seemed almost satirical. The crowd warmed to Escape Fall about halfway though the set as they demonstrated that they can do more than emo covers with an experimental funk jam, reminiscent of something that would come from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. 

Sam of The Escape Fall.

Although lead singer Sam Meader's vocals are strong, his stage presence needs work as his jovial attitude and silly hand gestures can harm his performance. The rest of the band put in a solid performance, and show that they are pretty talented for their age.

Finishing on a high The Escape Fall banged out a blistering rendition of Muse's hit 'Time is Running Out', although Meader is not quite Matt Bellamy he showed he has good range, as does his band. The Escape Fall showcased a sound that said we are not just an emo cover band, and I think they will be one to watch in the future. 

Ryan of Vietnameasles.

Next in were Vietnameasles with their own brand of hardcore pulsating, punk rock, smashing through a set of 17 songs, with incredible intensity. It is a challenge to figure out when one song finishes and another starts, due to the sheer speed their set list is played through, only stopping for the side-splitting crowd banter they are well known for.

The 'Measles continued with their trademark ferocity, with Paul Etasse and Ryan Bessin's full throttle pumping percussion mixed with Andy's all out guitar mauling, creating a sound which makes them as always a difficult band to put into a genre.

Technical problems such as Andy unintentionally unplugging his guitar, which would thwart most bands, are turned into hilarious situations by the 'Measles. Then an impromptu tuning session led to more amusing banter and some good natured knock, knock jokes. 

Andy of Vietnameasles.

It wasn't long until the 'Measles were back into it, with songs such as the exuberantly explicit 'Emma' they were flowing well, and the crowd seemed to love it. The Vietnameasles at one point demanded a circle pit, and the crowd cheerfully obliged, although it didn't last long, it was entertaining nonetheless.

Out of the blue the waving lighters are out as an unexpected softer song from the 'Measles, swept over the club, which unpredictably even included a short guitar solo from Andy.

Finishing with a rapturous punk rendition of '500 Miles' by the Proclaimers, the 'Measles were on top form. With unplugged, out of tune guitars, and offering people a fight outside, the Measles were as they always are, a pure punk rock experience on this night.

Headlining band Stratosfear hit the stage with a big dose of old school British rock 'n' roll, in the form of The Jam's classic 'In The City'.

Ben of Stratosfear.

Lead guitarist and singer Tyler Edmonds' sharp and perfectly weighted vocals, combined with Ben Queripel and Stu Carre's faultless instrumentals suit Stratosfear's sound flawlessly.

Blasting out tunes from a golden Brit-rock era, Stratosfear were really flying. Despite it being almost one o'clock in the morning, the boys from Stratosfear manoeuvred their way through a set of Mod favourites that would make Paul Weller himself proud.

The mass sing along that ensued will tell you that Oasis classic 'Live Forever' was one of the night's favourites, and considering Liam Gallagher's recent bad press, Edmonds puts him to shame with a shining performance.

Tyler of Stratosfear.

Although Stratosfear didn't have the dance floor packed the upper level of the club were lapping up every note, and Stratosfear prove worthy headliners, especially when they showcase their own writing skills with an original song 'Wasted Weekend'.

These youthful rockers with a traditional rock style and sound finished the night with a powerful performance of The Clash's anthem London Calling, the watching hoard came flocking back to the dance floor, to enjoy the last song of the night. Stratosfear showcased their skill and talents on this night, and they proved beyond a shadow of a doubt, they are not just a pub band.

When its all said and done, the night was an experience for everyone and having three bands with such clear differences in genre created a metaphorical buffet of choice for all alternative music fans.

Photos by Tony Robins.