Revolver probably has a greater reputation for providing a place to go after whatever bar/club you were at has closed for the night, but you feel the urge to party on until daybreak. What some probably don't realise is that Revolver also boasts quite a large and well equipped band room, and some pretty cool acts do play there from time to time. On this occasion, it was free entry too (score), so well worth the trip. On this night the bands who would be gracing the stage would be Fire Fire, Party With Strangers, and Clavians.

First to take to the stage was 2 piece scuzz rockers known as Clavians (some light digging has uncovered that the band was formerly known as Cry Mercy). Despite boasting just a single guitarist/volcalist, and a drummer, the two lads from Clavians put on a lively and surprisingly full sounding show. Grungy vocals were backed by some incredible guitar work and impressive drumming, and had I not been watching the show, I could have easily been convinced that there were more than just 2 people on the stage. The songs were layered and interesting, and illicited more than a few cheers and impressed looks from the people in the crowd.

Second up was 4 piece band Party With Strangers, who appeared to be the band that a large number of people in the crowd had come to see. The band played a mix of pop, indie and rock n roll, and the bands frontman was very active on the stage and was clearly having a red hot go up on stage. The band played an upbeat and very tight set, although the guitarist and bass player appeared to be glued to the spot. This fact, coupled with the number of their friends in the crowd, would lead me to believe that this band may be relatively new to the scene. Be that as it may, they had some great sounding songs, and with a few more shows under their belt, they will be all the better in this writers opinion.

Closing out the night was Fire Fire, a 5 piece. The band played a kind of mesh of post punk, indie and rock n roll. The band put on a great set, and had the noticably diminished crowd jumping and dancing around. The frontman was clearly capable of engaging the crowd, and the bands tightly knit, well rehearsed tunes were highly entertaining. It was probably somewhat injust that a large contingent of the crowd had decided to depart prior to their set, however in true rock style the band did not let it affect their set one bit. The band had a number of catchy songs, laden with indie guitar riffs and catchy hooks. One of the tracks, titled "Isolation", was particularly good.

Ultimately all three of the bands that performed were quite good, and hey, considering it was free (vital in this economic crisis), I think I did rather well for myself.

Photo by Kate Griffin (From Fire Fire!'s Myspace Page)