REVIEW: The Stayawakes at The Birdcage, Southsea

Tonight they played at the Birdcage, a psychedelic fairycake of a small venue located above The Festing in Southsea.

Storm Doris may have been raging outside at the time, but The Stayawakes’ unique hybrid of indie-savvy, poignant and intimate songs, among a crowd of tough, snotty punkers, whipped up a perfect storm for such a venue.

The vocals swung from alternative rock tenderness to angst-charged howling, skillfully controlled but teetering on the edge.

The dual guitars, bass and drums hit the ground – and indeed the crowd – running, slow and tender before metamorphosing into an armour-plated guitar beast.

Popular around our fair city, this band are sure to be a vital lynchpin in the still-fighting Portsmouth music scene.

Pubs, clubs and restaurants may close but with their hardworking drive and total belief and dedication, this next generation of our precious culture will stay strong.

Keep your eyes open, stay awake. There was room for a few more in the Birdcage. Where were you? Sleeping?