"Diplopia Music Showcase Night" review

Line up: Apollo’s Arrows, Waking Aida, Boxer and Sean McGowan
Venue: Hamptons
Date 31/3/2011

First band up were the acoustic duo Sean McGowan who were called in at the last minute due to two bands (Cardinals and Pharaohs) unfortunately pulling out. Their sound is somewhere between Jamie T and The Libertines, singing about political and personal subjects made this an intriguing opening act.

Boxer were the next band up (not really sure what to say) Our first gig with new bassist Toby, having only found out a few hours before that we were going to be play it went well (and loud apparently) A half acoustic, half live band set added a good dynamic to the gig.

Waking Aida were brilliant (ok I only caught one song, but it was) I was told that their set was unfortunately plagued by technical difficulties which is truly a shame as they are one of the best bands in Southampton.

Headliners Apollo’s Arrows normally make a hell of a lot of noise for a three piece but on this occasion were fairly subdued which wasn’t their fault. They still managed to put on a great show particularly the end, which included most of their equipment (and singer) sprawled out over the stage.

All in all it was a very good gig with some great local bands, the Southampton scene seems to be going from strength to strength with acts like these.