PHOTO BY LAURA McCULLAGH

As talented and prolific as our live music scene may be, it’s always insightful to see what the high standards of the coveted overseas music market produces in our own little city every now and again.

Before that, Bicycle Thief kick off the evening indie-style, decked in skinny jeans and a duo on Telecasters. Their music is perfect for this kind of crowd (even though it’s a sparse one), and their melodies have ladies dancing erotically with each other before delivering a reasonable portion of funk.

Off to the bar where Mr Cat and the Jackal are still smoking away before they board the stage to begin their multi-instrumental repertoire of doom.  Looking back you’d have to say they have brought the essence of professional music to our stages in a guise meant for street corners. Looking at the stage with dramatic lighting and cubist backdrop, I’d say that their specific formula has put them up there with the best. Their new track ‘End of Days’ appeals to a society darkly anticipating the inevitable apocalypse, whilst ‘Dig’ touches on the old-time theme religion.

In fine British tradition, Scoundrels have taken antiquated American music and spun it in a more acceptable form for the masses. Axeman Ned Wyndham, with his colourful guitar, sways to what is essentially Country –  a genre that is not really appreciated by many in the bar tonight. But what Scoundrels do, they do exceptionally well. This is especially true of the delivery of intricate chords and swinging rhythms of a few later tracks.

Come back anytime.