Ivan Campo are a four-piece semi-acoustic outfit, with a warm, melodic sound currently causing quite a stir. However, their sweet, soft, homely songs do not translate well from the intimate, busy, small stage to the harsh and open reality of The Mill. Some of Campo's songs attempt to push the boundaries, with strange guitar solos and chord changes, but they always manage to get you nodding along. They have some work to do if they are going to make a decided impact on the big stage.

Garland Green seemed responsible for much of the female population in The Mill, a large group of whom gathered at the stage prior to their performance. Garland Green are one of those bands that attract never-ending, list-like descriptions due to the mongrel nature of their material, so for anyone expecting an outrageous tagline, they can officially be described as 'heavy nu-wave urban cosmo-art blues punk. Despite the evident hard-work and clever structuring, the desire to be innovative, different and interesting leaves a mish-mash of genres which is hard to get into.

Prize-winning

Halcyon have now grown into a tight, swaggering indie band that brings together the dark, undertones of Muse and strong verse and vocals of early REM, U2 and Doves, but despite a marked improvement on previous outings, it wasn't enough to sufficiently impress the judges. The band may still be flying above their ideal altitude, with some semi-profound lyrics and a front man who seems to have the weight of the world on his shoulders. Certain solos sound out of key and the singer's voice is slightly off the mark.

The Usuals didn't have the same spark that ignited the cavern last Sunday. The singer is a model showman but would do well to find a balance as he is tonight far angrier than his songs permit. He is guilty of trying too hard, and falling too easily into the same finger-wagging, arms-open routine which becomes a little predictable come the end of their set. There are hints of both Morrissey and The Coral in the songs, which are delivered in a charming manner by an impressive vocals section, but tonight there lacks any killer direction or chemistry.

Written by Dan Jeoffroy

In proud association with Rough Sketch