The Borderline didn't quite know what to expect when a band billed as 'Germany's punk rock standard-bearers' were due to kick off proceedings for the second night of showcases. We'd hope their expectations were confounded by a raucous, energetic and well-received show from Donots. At one point, their singer looked like he was in danger of strangling himself on his microphone wire as he excitedly emoted their rough rock sound. They've been going for over 15 years in Germany and recently self-released an album, the wittily-titled 'Coma Chameleon' to great acclaim
Dirty Epics came fresh from an Irish TV show challenge where they had to write, record and perform a song in 18 hours. They coped admirably if the results on stage were anything to go by. Dirty Epics released their debut album, 'Straight In No Kissing', last October through their own SCAR Records (distributed by Universal) and received a rapturous response from the Irish Times and more local media. They brought their brand of sexy, spiky pop-punk to The 100 Club, a venue with quite a bit of punk history. it was their London debut - we're sure we'll be hearing more from them in the future.
FrankMusik was a last minute addition at The Borderline. The pint-sized Island Records-signed artist has just been added to the Radio 1 playlist in the UK, so he had cause to celebrate. Scorching beat, piercing falsettos and some very wise choices of samples and covers, FrankMusik is pure pop joy personified - and it really works live. His cover of Pet Shop Boys' 'It's A Sin' was a highlight for us. He definitely made the most of his Musexpo moment - he even expressed relief that the crowd wasn't "all corporate and boring" - it was certainly a warm Los Angeles welcome in London for Frank.
Pint Shot Riot signed a publishing deal with EA/Nettwerk joint venture Artwerk Music l
ate last year. They displayed the jagged rhythms and sharp melodies that led to their initial interest at The 100 Club. Their first single "Punches Kicks Trenches and Swords," earned significant airplay throughout the UK and was chosen by EA Games for their "SIMS 3" soundtrack in November 2008. They strutted the famed stage in central London like they owned the place - we're sure that pretty soon they will. Australian act All Mankind make the kind of epic radio-friendly MOR songs which the likes of The Script and The Fray found success with in re
cent times. They're not doing too badly in their home territory at the moment, with award nominations for song-writing and performance in both Australia and America. It's not hard to see why they are so well-received - it's smartly written pop songs which will sound great on the radio - like their peers, they also have a sound which could fill stadiums. A winning combination and an impressive performance.
The Broken Beats closed night two of showcases at The 100 Club. Their psychedelic rock/pop sounds like Alphabeat met Talking Heads down a dark alley. Essentially, it's very unpredictable but no less fun for it. Their new album, You're Powerful, Beautiful and Extraordinary, has already spawned a Danish hit with leadoff single "The Rules". With a zany but excellent set-up, we wouldn't bet against them doing the business in other territories too.
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