Manchester has been long been associated with the 80’s and 90’s musical movements that shook the world and unfortunately, it has never been able to shake the mantle. With the rise of ‘sound-a-like’ bands that have slowly suffocated the music scene, it is a breath of fresh air that there are bands trying to raise the mancunion bar once more, and Rampage at Soundcontrol is one such night that nurtures the inevitable new sound of Manchester.

First up were local lads VOYTEK THE BEAR. Even though numbers were low (due to being the last minute replacement for ‘Arficeden’ RIP), these lads played their socks off. The bass was strong, the guitars loud and the drums tight. Playing a more rocky set than usual, leaning towards their influences of Queens of the Stone Age and early Primus, they still managed to encapsulate their signature groove-sound and keep everyone in the venue grooving and shaking. Their new EP ‘Bear Tunes’ is available from www.myspace.com/voytekthebear.

Gallops! turned up the volume and proved to be a hit with the growing crowd. Overhearing Dave Morait (drums) during the sound check, asking the sound engineer for just the Mac in his monitor, it was apparent that he was going to be more machine than man, and he didn’t fail to deliver. Steady heavy beats, along with perfectly timed electronica thrown in, alongside catchy dark riffs made Gallops! a definite band to watch for the future. Oh, and their (soon to be released) EP cover is fantastic. Check them out at www.myspace.com/thegallopsband.

Headliners Cyril Snear can be summed up in one word, once uttered by the infamous Jimmy Crankie…..fandabidosie. These hard working lads encapsulated what is great about prog/post rock. Long; engaging songs, timings that will make your head scratch, and individual enough to warrant your attention. And don’t get me started on the lighting that accompanied the set to a tee. Strobe with faultless double-kicking? Yes please. Their debut self produced album ‘Fluent in Seven Types of Monotone’ is available now on www.cyrilsnear.co.uk and available as a download from Itunes.