Trio of local bands take Shadow Rooms by storm

The event, which celebrated the launch of Gigging NI’s new website, featured a fantastic line up including the recently-revived punk outfit Ruby's Masquerade, the incredible Phoenix Fire (formerly Kagura) and one of the most exciting live acts around - The Cahier Collection.

Punk rebels Ruby's Masquerade took the crowd back to the mid-seventies with their gritty but gut-bustingly catchy tunes such as Days of Our Lives, Hero Worship and Late Night Swingers, all respectively capable of sing-alongs and foot-tapping alike.

Cheers were heard and claps were infectious as the local band eased their way through even more punchy tunes like Waste the Taste, The Hedonist and the popular The Lunatic. Watch out for these guys as they aim to take the NI music scene by storm. Definitely for fans of The Ramones and anyone who likes to have a good time.

Up next was Phoenix Fire, one of the most exciting and underrated bands in Northern Ireland. The energy they create on stage is exceptional, with Dave Jackson stamping his feet and smacking his tambourine like there's no tomorrow, coupled with the band's chemistry and enthusiasm to constantly outdo themselves.

Big Cities (And Bright Lights) was without doubt the highlight of the night, whilst new songs mixed within the set showed the band's capabilities to consistently set the bar even higher.

With smoke belting the stage, it was safe to assume that The Cahier Collection were about to make an appearance. Shriek starts the set off, followed by the countrywide-known Bad Blood, featured on NIChart.com

The coy four-piece march around the stage giving it their all and through songs like Genuine Crook and their latest single, The Leading Role, clearly communicate with the crowd quite well. The performance is very much at the forefront of the band's mind, with Tin Bath Writer striking a chord with the audience as Neal Cahoon's trumpet echoes throughout the venue with the explosive ending of the song.

New tune Penny Rebel ends the band’s set respectively and rounds off a brilliant performance by a band who is sure to continue to rise within the local scene.