Flood of Red at The Garage

Flood Of Red – The Garage – 29 September 2009

Words by Ian Dickinson / photos by Brendan Monteiro

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We are in the cosy and intimate womb that is Upstairs at The Garage, whilst some washed up indie rock known as the Datsuns are down stairs in the main venue. The contrast between the two bands headlining in the same venue could not be more defined. Flood Of Red are young, talented and have won my personal award for best live finale of the year…so far.

The 6 piece from Scotland take to the small red light stage (a photographers nightmare so I hear). The crowd is made up predominantly of young females, who all gaze upon the lead singer with gooey eyes; it must be that sexy Scottish accent, which lends itself beautifully to the passion of the music. Maybe this is caused by the aggressive yet sentimental melodies and breakdowns that Flood Of Red thrust upon the crowd. It is amazing that with so many bodies on such a small stage, coupled with intensity that the bands plays with that no one sustains a serious injury. The band seem unfazed and actually appear to be genuinely overjoyed to be playing tonight, as smiles beam from their faces and jokes are made. Flood Of Red never break or waste time in-between tracks as the keyboardist provides enough time and atmosphere for each song to roll seamlessly from one into the other. The penultimate tracks sees two lads finally loose control of themselves as the slam dancing and high kicks begin as the H&M clad teens gaze on with a combination of confusion and fear. For the grandee finale every member of the band takes to a drum. With little room on the stage, members of the band are down to the left of the stage, in the crowd, all thumping away in unison. It is an impressive and unexpected sight which creates forceful and epic sound.

Everyone gets a free CD as they leave, bonus!

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