BANDS ROCK THE RVT: HOT AUGUST FRINGE

If you've been following the RVT: Hot August Fringe you'll know that one of the things that separates us from some of the more traditional fringe festivals is that we've thrown open the doors to some of the best underground and alternative bands on the scene. Thursday night was the first all band night at the Fringe and aside from a few technical hiccups -- it went great.

The shows started late because -- as in true rock n' roll style - one of the bands forgot their equipment, or it got left at the airport, or stolen from the back of their van -- or something. The point is the shows started late and the first two acts ended up using the same equipment. Thankfully they were both pretty accomplished so all went well.

Things finally kicked off with the jerky, yelping Social Reform spewing guitar-driven British youth disillusionment and rage. It was the sound of bored teenagers getting up to no good and it shook the RVT crowd out of it's disco-induced torpor. It was a shot of gritty, grotty throbbing scream-core and great fun.

Saevio were next. Grungy yet groovy, Saevio feel like a trip back to Seattle in the mid-90s, but with their feet firmly planted in today's indie sound. Their leisurly take on crunching guitars drenched in melody was a step away from the pitch-blackness of Social Reform into a groovier, funkier sound. Still dark and brooding but with glimmers of hope shining through, Saevio went down incredibly well.

Of course it wouldn't be a band night if one of the acts didn't pull out at the last minute. The poptastic State City Disco arrived backstage then quickly disappeared claiming an attack of swine flu. (Are the dressing rooms THAT bad?) Hmmmm. Perhaps we didn't get their rider right. It's a shame, but they're increasingly visible on the London scene so you'll likely catch them soon.

We had a nice long break and the crowd dutifully knocked back the drinks in anticipation of Heads.Hearts just back from their triumph at Brighton PRIDE. Well it was worth the wait. This electronic high-energy duo are fantastic! She's got a better voice and more balls than Lady Gaga and he's the cute music maestro bobbing alongside with electro beats, harmonica, drums, the whole works. Their dance anthems truly brought the house down. They've got tons of talent and charisma and their songs are so full of hooks each one is a dance-floor filler. A barnstorming set.

Here's hoping Heads.Hearts get back to the RVT to rip the roof off once again! (Watch out SLAGS, you could be hearing from them soon!)