Last but not least…day 3. Don’t be sad it’s over, be glad it happened…but I sure am sad it’s over.
Not only was this the last day of Substance but also the last ever gig in Church and what a send off it had. Substance is the best example of the statement ‘music brings people together’ and throughout these three days this is exactly what I’ve felt from everyone involved, from Rogan and UTS to the musicians to the people who turned up every day or even just one to support musical artistry and the Dundee music scene. Furthermore, Church was a huge part of the scene in Dundee and Substance just felt like the perfect send off for the infamous venue.
Day 3 as a whole was pop punk, it was rock, and everything in between. In hopes of not sounding like a broken record, once again the bands complimented, they collaborated and they had community…the three C’s for a perfect gig.
Opening the night we had Joshua Grantt, taking the stage as they played their pop punk music for the slowly growing crowd. Taking the stage as the opener is always nerve-racking, never knowing if you will be playing to a whole room or only a couple stragglers but you would of thought they were playing to an arena with energy, talent and passion, leaving me wanting to hear more. There was a grungy, pop punk vibe to their music with distorted instruments and heartfelt, emotional vocals, at one point singing of mens mental health and friendships amongst men. Overall a great way to start the night.
Now…National Playboys…I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone perform the way they did, they had energy, they had movement and they backed it all with eclectic, flawless music. I felt they were giving a vibe that fans of LCD Soundsystem mixed with Dead Kennedys would enjoy. They were the first band of the three days with female presenting musicians which was amazing to see some representation of. The lead vocalist was incredibly energetic, seeming to get lost within the music and vocals, while still simultaneously getting the crowd jumping along with them.
Guevara brought it next with an incredible 6 person band, consisting of three guitars, a bass, a keys/synth and drummer. My favourite drummer from Roomfore the night before, made a second appearance as they once again wowed me with their solid, flawless drumming. They were definitely giving a Wunderhorse meets Fontaines D.C vibe to their music and vocals and I could imagine them playing at TRNSMT while I stood with a warm pint in the sunshine, pleasantly surprised i’d never heard of them before, but knowing i’d found a new band to obsessively listen to.
Next up were the classic pop punk vibes as Edinburghs lads, Oh Romance took to the stage. A 3 person band singing of love, heartache and all your classic pop punk feelings that were incredibly nostalgic for me. They were incredibly engaging not only with the crowd but with each other as well, meaning you could feel the cohesiveness of a band who had been playing together for a long time. They are incredibly aware of their brand, throwing roses out at the end and getting the crowd jumping and joining in on the lively dynamic on stage.
Second to last we had the Dundonian golden boys themselves, Denara. I’ve seen Denara a few times over the last year or so and they wow me every time. Bringing in a dedicated fanbase, portraying heaps of energy and flawless lyrics paired with exceptional melodies, how can you not love them? The vocalist was incredibly engaging with the crowd as well as the lead guitarist as they got the crowd moving. I’m always wowed by his talent and it’s always a joy to watch as you can see the passion they all have for what they are performing. Overall an excellent choice for the final night of Substance in my opinion.
Last but definitely not least, the female fronted band Red Vanilla. I’d been told to keep an eye out for them and they definitely did not disappoint as they brought incredible vocals paired with excellent melodies that pulled the crowd in. They started off with some technically difficulties but dealt with this like pros soon wowing the crowd with their set. At this point the crowd had packed out jumping and singing along as the lead vocalist sang and the band jammed on the stage. Amazing set to end the night, concluding a cohesively complimentary night and a flawless three day grassroots extravaganza that I’ll not soon forget.
I personally cannot wait to see what not only the bands played over the last few days do next but also what Rogan and Under The Surface have up their sleeves for the future. One of my favourite gig experiences of the year by far and everyone involved deserves all the praise for an incredible event well done.
