DiS Southampton #4 - Christmas Party All-Dayer* (*sort of!)

We're back for a Christmas party, - write it in your diaries (and buy the tickets!)... The Southampton DiS team have conjured up an amazing evening with four quite fantastic and unique bands. Now I know this might sound like bragging, but us lucky Southampton DiSers have got lots to shout about. In case you hadn't noticed, there's a bit of a scene taking shape. We've already brought you The Departure, the much hyped Dead! Dead! Dead!, the quite brilliant Colour Of Fire, Fleeing New York, The Sonic Underground and Steve The Model/Objects. What have we got in store this time? A slight change from the norm as we will be open from 5pm till 10pm - get there early for all the festivities! Here’s all you need to know:

Who’s playing? Soma High, Uproar, Turncoat & The Scarlet Letter Union (Formerly Judas Kisses)

Where? LENNON’S NIGHTCLUB, Onslow Road, Southampton. The night is in association with our friends at Long Live Rock And Roll.

When? Friday 17th December 2004

How much? £3.00 in advance - no booking fee!. Drink prices from £1

How? Tickets are strictly limited on a first come, first served basis, it's the last day of term, so don't take any chances! You can guarantee entry by clicking here and using good old Paypal. It's 50p cheaper than on the door, as well.

How long? 5pm till 10pm with aftershow club until 2am...

What's it all gonna sound like?

**Soma High**

Gigging selectively over the past year or so, this three piece band just keep getting better and more exciting every time we see them. Coming from mixed musical backgrounds, Soma High produce great guitar pop tunes with an edge - an edge that is shrouded in mystery and darkness.

"effect-laden, dark and subtle, powerful pop" Barfly Website, November 2004

**Uproar**

Loving every minute of their music right now, the Joy Division influenced (that's got that out the way - but since when was that a bad thing?) Uproar have what it takes to go all the way. Why? I hear you cry. One reason is that in Dan Copeman, they have a frontman that not only looks the part but IS that part. Completely immersed in music, he conveys his lyrics through the mic together with icy stares and knowing smiles. The guys are just getting off the ground and have recently supported Towers Of London and Objects on the 1234 Records national tour.

**Turncoat**

A lot's been said on these pages about Turncoat already, see here and here, and that's with very good reason. This Brighton based outfit are truly immense. Think Hope Of The States, only better. But don't trust me. Well do. But see for yourself, is what I mean. Having played 2 Ejector Seat nights in Southampton before, these guys have built themselves a dedicated following locally. Unmissable.

**The Scarlet Letter Union**

Reviewed not too long ago (here when he was performing under the name Judas Kisses); Izaak Bullen is an exciting solo artist, but I'm not talking the David Gray variety. Isolated, fragile, explosive and magnificent would all be good adjectives to desribe his intense Martin Grech-esque live performance. He's supported 65*daysofstatic and not been blown away - far from it. How many other solo artists could do that? You'll find yourself watching in disbelief as he conjures up his magic on stage...

+Us on the decks!

Myself, Kate Price (not that Kate Price, before you ask!) and Thommo Blatchford will be spinning some of the finest tunes you’re ever likely to hear on a night out, right through till 10pm. Normal Lennons Club DJs will take over for some more excellent tunes until 2am. Don’t you find one of the most frustrating things about seeing a band is the immediate come down of leaving the venue? Aren’t some of the best gigs the ones where you stay and dance the night away? Especially when it's an all-day, early evening - whatever you want to call it, fun drinks-aplenty music fest... Anyways, you get the picture. Four top bands. Three top (ahem) DJ’s. Alcohol. Christmas. Last day of term. Fun stuff. And the ability to say YOU were there. How could you not be?

If you have any questions, suggestions, or are in a band who’d like to take part in future Drowned in Sound events in Southampton you can email me (adfarley@lineone.net) or Kate Price (kate.price@drownedinsound.com).