Student radio society Air3 Radio hosted band showcase Fresh Frequencies at local venue Tolbooth on Friday, 31 January. The night, which held performances from Santeria, Vanderlye and Human Renegade, was a rock-heavy triumph that was not to be missed.
Santeria
Bands performing came from far and wide, including Kilmarnock-based group Santeria. Who kicked off the night with a mix of original songs and a few familiar favourites covered in their own unique style.
One highlight of the night for Santeria was lead guitarist Pete Needham’s electrifying guitar-solo during a cover of Kasabian’s Fire.
Santeria closed off their opening set with a cover of Starburster by post-punk band Fontaines D.C. Lead singer Ollie’s commanding vocals set the room alight, resulting in a full-on mosh pit as their last song built up to a crescendo.
Lead singer Ollie Amphlett describes Santeria as “post-punk, to be on the safe side.” But aiming towards becoming a more psychedelic-rock sounding band. “We just want to show what it’s like to be a little Scottish man in a little Scottish town working hard to be where he wants to be.” Amphlett said.
Vanderlye
Next up were Glasgow-based band Vanderlye, who left just as much of an impact despite their softer, more melodic sound.
The group of four were led by singer Sean on vocals, with the occasional vocal from bassist Becky. Their voices worked perfectly together and added to the dream-like sound the band induced on their crowd. The band’s suspenseful, cinematic guitar-playing was reminiscent of a 90s Britpop/Radiohead-era sound.
But the most thrilling moment of the night for Vanderlye had to be their harrowing and cathartic tribute to the millions of Palestinians who have lost their lives and loved ones to war: Blackout Sky. The song’s dreamy, sombre chorus contrasted brilliantly against its noisy, reverb-heavy guitar solos. This was the most impactful moment of the entire night because it made brought the crowd’s attention to Palestine.
Human Renegade
The final band of the night were Human Renegade. Unlike the first two bands of the night, Glasgow band Human Renegade took notes from emo and pop-punk music, rather than just alternative rock. Even their aesthetic lent itself to the Paramores and Panic at the Discos of yesteryear. Lead singer Alli’s guitar was brandished with a murder victim from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.
The band hyped the audience up from the moment they came on stage. And maintained that excitement throughout, sticking to fast BPMs that you could throw yourself around the room to.
Some highlights of the band’s performance included single Death of a Groom, which heard the band’s vocals teeter the line between emo and screamo. Their final song of the night, simply titled Emo, was a love letter to the type of music that has clearly inspired them. With guitar riffs noisy enough to pop your earplugs out.
Air3Radio
Brig caught up with Head of Air3 Radio Maisie Mackay Smith on the night’s success. She said: “I am really pleased with how the night went. Air3 were nervous because we thought it might have been a bit of a disaster when we initially had the idea. But it exceeded all of our expectations.
“I just hope that people had a good time on the night because it was a good opportunity to see what Stirling’s small but extremely talented music scene has to offer.
“We have been offered the chance to host another Fresh Frequencies because of how successful this night was, so watch this space. I think we would like to shake things up and have other genres of music be played next time.”
Featured Image Credit: Millie Ann McMinn
Student journalist with a passion for music.
