Thursday 24th January, 2008

Review by Marianne Wilson

So, this is the first review of a gig I've ever written. Its Thursday the 24th of January and it's a very special day because Hyena, a local band from Glasgow have arranged to play a gig in Aberdeen. The gig starts at 8 pm and i've made the posters, i'm so excited about hearing them play because the last time i saw them must have been sometime in late november.

First band to take the stage were everythingwesayisfact a band from Stonehaven which is about 30 miles outside of Aberdeen. There are two members and both of them are pretty young. Sixteen infact. Despite this they have a certain charm and i found myself drifting off to their noisy melodies. Thrashing angry guitar riffs accompanied by a drummer with a lot of energy. I really enjoyed their set. They're influenced musically by the likes of Fugazi, Lightening Bolt, Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, Copy Ha Ho, Areogramme, die! die! die! and Mogwai.

The second band on were Greater the Shadow who have played with Hyena before. This must have been the third time that I've seen them now and each time they've played i've enjoyed it. There are five members to the band. They have similar influences to everythingwesayisfact. Although they really sound like this band called 65 Days of Static. Like they kind of make atmospheric noises that build up and build up then you get a really thrashy bit.

Hyena were the third and last band to play. Hyena are punk rock band from Glasgow. They are Jack Mellon on Vocals and guitar, Derek Rodger on bass guitar and Jonny Rankin on drums. With influences like Scratch Acid, Fugazi, Black Flag and Bikini Kill you know that you're in for a good show when they grace the stage.Their sound is angular, cutting, loud and pretty much unique to its genre.

They played a new song that i'd never heard before. I can't remember the name but Derek said it was made to make people vomit... or something. It was good, but it never made me vomit! I don't think making people vomit is their aim, they just have some strange banter at times, it's highly amusing.

They also played their new song 'The Doctors Wife' and 'Nina...or Mike' which i really enjoyed as it's always good to hear new material. They played some of their older (but not that old) songs too like 'The Laughing Hand' and 'She says Burlap'.Hyena are definitely a must see band for those who are into something alternative.

The Tunnels is a good venue, it is run locally and is a great place for young bands to play gigs and have fun. Set under and old railway arch the place has a good atmosphere.

Hyena are currently on tour. They are playing Aberdeen, Dundee Glasgow and Edinburgh one after the other.

Recordings and Gig Dates

www.myspace.com/hyenaband