Young Pretenders or Genuine Contenders?

With the weekend's boxing in mind, it'd be quite apt to compare the Ruby Lounge to Manny Pacquiao - both are small, compact little offerings, yet both certainly know how to punch above their weight.

Unfortunately for local band The Sticks, they, like Ricky Hatton, didn't really offer much. At best, they sound like a prickly Los Campesinos, although more often than not, their music seems better used as filler on a Kate Nash album.

Luckily, the next band on are definitely not also-rans. Baddies have acquired quite the reputation in their short existence and are tipped as contenders for 2009.

Stepping onto the stage in matching attire, similarities to The Hives are there to be seen. This comparison doesn’t end with aesthetics, as vocalist/guitarist Michael Webster channels his inner Howlin’ Pelle, whilst Juicebox-like guitars bang away during second song, Open One Eye.
Battleships portrays an incredibly tight band as the Southend natives break out bars that could dupe you into thinking you’d come to see an edgy B-52’s tribute act.

The set closes on Holler For My Holiday, demonstrating a passion most would struggle to muster in front of such a non-partisan crowd. In a time of synths and 80’s gimmicks, it’s nice to see four honest lads need only their instruments and wits to put on a good show.

Speaking of a good show, next up are Airship. These four messrs have been harkened to the the Pixies, but they’re less world-weary than that.

The kick drum reverberates around the venue for Spirit Party. Its bassline chips away at the audience and is perfectly juxtaposed by guitar riffs that hammer them. It’s a warm, Arcade Fire-laced song.

They close on Algebra, with front man Elliott Williams displaying amazing clarity. The song possesses that innate ability to lift the spirits, despite its borderline lethargic rhythms.
On tonight's showing, both Baddies and Airships are destined for popular, justified acclaim and might even make title contenders; The Sticks, on the other hand, were left floored in the first round and have lessons still to learn.