GiggingNI.com

I was actually quite surprised when I heard the line-up for The Cahier Collection's single launch a couple of months back as it isn't your average line-up. So often you find yourself listening to the same bands live and watching the same old things go by in the circuit but this night was completely different. Consisting of a band travelling the whole way up from Dublin called The Chapman Society and a new band called Pixel vs. Nanobot, I was extremely excited about the prospect of hearing some new bands alongside one of the best new bands in the country, and who this night was all about - The Cahier Collection.

Kicking things off after an introductory DJ set from Panama King Stuart Bell was Pixel vs. Nanobot, certainly not your average three-piece! Fronted by Shauna Donaghy, blessed with vocal cords made out of gold, they confidently performed their way through a great set containing songs such as 'This is My Time', 'Rebecca' and, possibly the best of their set, 'Shadows'. It was experimental and unique, with bassist Cahir providing the majority of dynamic melodies and drummer Heron helping out with vocals behind his kit, but that's what made it fantastic, the unpredictability of their next tune. The crowd reacted fantastically to them and it's obvious they had a crowd there full of supporters - it will be interesting to see what happens in the coming months to Pixel vs. Nanobot and where they will go.

The Chapman Society were the next band to take stage and you could unfortunately tell that they weren't going to get the appreciation they deserved with the delayed changeover and many people heading to the bar for another pint or two. Despite the delay, The Chapman Society took stage, introduced themselves and fired straight into a set of tunes that, having listened to them online beforehand, matched the quality of their recorded material to the tee with the addition of a decent stage presence to aid. Holding nothing back, 'Fire, Fire, Fire' definitely was the song that caught most people's attention with the crowd reacting in favour of this catchy number. Not a bad performance, and reception, for a band, unknown in Belfast, to get but hopefully they will be back.

With smoke filling the stage at Auntie Annies with the blood red backdrop creating an eerie atmosphere, The Cahier Collection stepped on to the stage with a swagger and a distinct confidence. 'Genuine Crook' stood out with a number with people singing along whilst newer songs such as 'Islands' and 'Penny Rebel' really caught some people's eye, making them stand to attention and witness a truly fantastic live act. 'Bad Blood' was slammed bang in the middle of a great set and seemed to act as the catalyst for the crowd to start showing what they've got. 'Tin Bath Writer' got the majority on their feet and there was a few starting to jump around in front of the band which really kicked it off. Before long, people were standing on tables and Neal Cahoon [front man of The Cahier Collection] and Chris Sloan [lead guitarist] were in the middle of the crowd performing their new single 'The Leading Role' whilst everyone gathered around to round-up a completely awesome night. Furthermore, make sure you get your hands of their new single because it's amazing.

Previous Photo credit goes to Jennifer Atcheson: www.myspace.com/jenniferatcheson

Venue: Auntie Annies, Belfast - Date: 9/3/2010

GiggingNI.com Rating: 9/10 - Review By: Mark Dunn