If the night proved anything, it’s that the underground is still here, still hungry, still thriving.
In its third iteration, Substance Volume 3 offers a brand-new three-day bill of local artists playing the best and most authentic venues in Dundee. I was lucky enough to attend the third night of the festival. With a unique and impressive lineup, providing not only a variety of genres but an abundance of talent, the night promised a current of sound, carrying us wherever these artists wanted us to go.
UnderTheSurface’s night, Substance offers a move toward something lost today: a well-understood and intentional grasp at creating community. A reaching-out through music, a hand extended across backgrounds and boundaries. Held in Beat Generator a beating heart of live music in Dundee and it proved to be exactly that. The gig was intimate and raw, hiding nothing, its rawness a kind of relief, an ethos and atmosphere clearly appreciated by the artists and attendees alike.
Playing out of Livingston, Heavy Weather opened the night passionately and enthusiastically. Atmospheric rock mixed with powerful drums and wavy guitar riffs allowed for a defining performance. Despite navigating some small technical issues, the band managed to maintain a strong show on stage, assured in the sound they produced. I found Heavy Weather to be an interesting mix with some promising movements looking toward their future.
Sports Days sound hit unexpectedly, through a noise that felt both familiar and entirely their own. With this being their debut show, I was knocked back by their sound. Evidently a close group of lads with a clear vision of the music they wish to create, the relationship between the band showed through their ability to deliver such a performance. There was a mid-west emo ache stitched into the familiar sounds of British rock, Sports Day were nothing short of outstanding. With such a unique sound, not often heard in Scotland, I’m looking forward to seeing where these lads take this.
An undeniable awareness of direction, was what I wrote whilst listening. And to five-pint me, I couldn’t agree more. A well-versed musical outfit playing comfortably in their hometown of Dundee, they knew exactly what they were doing. Riffs straight out of the 90s Brit-rock playbook, sharpened by modern lyricism into something that felt ageless, a sound you can’t help but move to. Their confidence rolled off them in waves as did their music. This was reciprocated by the crowd as they chanted “The Ruvellas are on fire!” The Ruvellas ticked every box I expected them to.
An potent performance from the Glasgow-based pop-rock four-piece. The music was driven, assured and well-rounded. I found myself thinking of an early-2000s film, think Avril Lavigne, think Rocking the suburbs. Nostalgic but new. Spyres’ lyricism and vocals were beautiful and had the crowd fully enticed. There was a post-girl-rock feel to it, an undoubtedly up-and-coming talent who I expect to see much more of in the coming months.
Young, authentic and real — a step back to the 90s, potentially a step into The Hacienda. Parliamo, the well-known Perth-based band, delivered on every note: a performance true and raw. The frontman held back nothing and brought a presence that let you know from the get-go that this was going to be a show. Clearly the subjects of their predecessors, but delivering on everything they should. The crowd erupted around them, sealing the night with the kind of ending that lingers long after the lights come up.
Substance Vol 3 wasn’t just a gig; it was a celebration of what happens when community and creativity collide. If this night proved anything, it’s that not only Dundee’s but Scotland’s music scene is far from finished, it’s just getting louder.
