Dad Hair at The Wedge of The Wedge, Southsea REVIEW: 'Brewing some new dark magic'

Promoters The Calamity Cratediggers present four acts – three local and one from Bristol.

Three-piece locals Dad Hair headline: a pun reserved for a few only. It’s bass, drums and guitar/vocals, but not just any old bloke’s hairdo gets lifted, prepare to get your wig flipped.

This is powerful post-punk, no tired rerun but twisted with confidence, handled with skill and still brewing some new dark magic.

Guitarist/vocalist Rich Lock delivers a low, doomy vocal while making his guitar in turn scream, riff and sparkle. Not afraid to use effects but only when essential, fat and fluff free.

Several songs conjure up a sumptuous phased effect as though someone has kicked a hive of psychedelic bees. Steven James Steward’s bass rumbles angrily as it weaves through the huge drum sound, tribal and precise – Killing Joke and Burundi power combined.

The set seemed to stampede by in no time. This is the sound of Portsmouth: young, lean, passionate from a distance, and like a bee-sting it broods under your skin.

Our city needs spirit and art. The stars will rise.