It was promising to be an eclectric night at Bar Broadway, Club Blink’s chosen Saturday venue, and no matter how sharp the cold snap, with the pull of local heroes Tourettes, Father Frost didn’t stand a chance. The headliners were to be supported by relative newcomers Antonomasia, metal blokes Unbrokin, and punkers Mz Ann Thropik. Yes, there was something for everyone at this here gig. And the bands didn’t disappoint.

First up on the bill were goth-metal act Antonomasia. Despite being together for a good couple of years, their singer, Cassie, only came of bar-going age two months beforehand, restricting them to playing all-ages events. Falling somewhere within Evanescence’s musical horizon, Cassie’s vocals wove in and out of the band’s atmospheric metal, occasionally countered by their keyboardist’s rough yells. But you can’t help feeling the effect is somehow similar to a wave – crashing over the top of her voice and obscuring it. However, you get the feeling that this is one of those bands that will improve with time, and subsequent experience onstage. One to watch.

On stage next were metallers Unbrokin. Given the triple femme-fatale mood of the night, the guys stood out pretty conspicuously. Admittedly, it would’ve been easier to see the guys onstage at The Gaelic Club in front of a bunch of circle-pit loving scene kids than here, at Broadway’s local alternative night. But given the lack of crowd support, the guys gave it a great shot, storming through their set-list with genuine energy, and even a quieter moment on two.

Next to hit the stage this evening was goth-punkers Mz Ann Thropik. The effect this band has upon you tends to alternate between a moonlight walk through Wonderland and a kind of high-energy exorcism. Blending tits-out screaming with twisted-sweet vocals and stage whispers, vocalist Magdalena Terror prowls the stage with trademark attitude. Seemingly in a bad mood; she, and the band, nevertheless pull out a great fuck-you performance. Spooky keys overlay neatly with no-frills guitar riffs and solid beats, the set peaking with crowd favourite Kittie, Kittie, and also featured an unexpected cover Walk Like an Egyptian originally by the Bangles. There has been great improvement in the Mz Ann Thropik camp in the last year, and, as seen tonight, it looks like the only way for these guys to head is up.

By the time Tourettes hit the stage, the place is pretty well packed with a combination of goths, random punters, crazy devotees – the notorious ‘Sik Fuks’ and air-guitar champions. Hitting the stage like classic Axl Rose (complete with bandana), singer Michele Madden immediately takes expert control. Closing your eyes, you’d swear the sound erupting from her throat was coming from a growly, muscular, wild-haired bloke influenced by pretty much every strain of heavy rock invented. When you opened them, you’d see that wasn’t too far from the truth – except for the bloke bit. Possessing a powerful voice and skillful stage manner, Ms. Madden seems completely at home. Her vocal attack is perfectly suited to this kind of driving, hard rock/metal blend. Coupled with dirty riffs, solid drumming and a thumping bass, the result is a strong, visceral experience.

Every song seems to have a story – a few of which Michele shares with the crowd. It looks as if the time the band have spent in American and Canada has been particularly inspiring. As the last notes rang out from the stage, you can see them savouring it, down to the last drop. When the crowd disperse, the mass of broken glass on the floor is testament to the craziness this band inspires in people. They seem to have a glamour about them that spells rock stars. Not like some arrogant assholes that appear to populate the scene. They’ve spent a fair amount of time in the states – they’ve seen it. Thank God arrogant and rock ‘n roll don’t have to go together – but patience, talent and passion. And tonight these guys have proven they have them all.