Crackout are one of those bands that have never really made it anywhere near the charts but has that loyal, hardcore following, wherever they go. They are fun as a live band but it is easy to see why they seem to struggle on record - it’s nothing new. We’ve all heard this kind of music before and it really fails to leave any kind of smouldering impression on me. They seem to be young and fairly energetic but more or less the whole set was dull and disinterested. Bands like this really should either get better or give up.

Vex Red used to fit into this category, but then they got money and so they got better. It really is amazing what a difference the best equipment can make. Their lo-fi electronic metal really didn’t make an impact tonight, bar two songs. Both are on the recent single. Some might wonder if they haven’t just used their last trump cards at the very start. The noble art of heavy music was performed poorly tonight as the boys from Aldershot - now based in Portsmouth – struggled to maintain their sound. Much was expected from Vex Red tonight but little was delivered. We can only wonder if good, old Ross Robinson has wasted his expensive time.