The Venue, Edinburgh, Sunday 9 May 2004

WHILE THE THREAT might work if it wasn’t delivered with a huge grin, there’s actually no need for scare-tactics with Dionyssus. Sunday night’s Emergenza gig proved that people dance when these boys play simply because they’re good. Well, actually, it’s more complicated than good – there’s a whole bunch of other factors including terrific stage presence and irresistible energy that compel the crowd to jig and holler. But first to the name, and the quote.

Dionyssus was the Greek god of wine and revelry. According to Rory (lead vocalist), when the world’s original wino was presided over affairs, there was “uncontrolled ecstasy” and frenzied dancing with some kind of Greek harpies ready to rip off limbs of any bashful sideliners not quite giving it their all. Maybe you’re wondering where these boys got their information. Well, they grew up in Inverness.

The band played their first gig two years ago – Halloween at Chilli Patterson’s. Founders Rory Hutcheson and Robin Johnston (lead guitar) went to Canada after university where they contemplated a future as rock stars. Signing up for the dream on their return were Greg Adams (bass guitar), and George Campbell (keyboard), and most recently Bruce Maclean on drums.

The band have released 2 EPs so far – Morning After and Release the Beast (available via the website) and have a third, produced by Terry Small, set for release once the boys have agreed on a title. Most of their gigs have been played in the Highlands including a memorable performance at the Black Isle Show before a crowd of 1200. This highlight seems to tie as fave band memory alongside girls snogging girls in the front row of another sweaty gig.

Whilst the boys admit you’re more easily noticed as “big fish, in a small sea”, they have proved more than capable of winning over a crowd both in Glasgow and Edinburgh not least via their participation in the Emergenza festival. A scheme sponsored by Sony to find new talent, bands compete against each other in successive rounds, venues and crowds getting bigger each time.

The line up on Sunday consisted of 10 bands. Dionyssus missed out on the audience vote to Man of the Hour, a death metal band with theatrical (and musical) talents who had a favourable time slot and plenty of local supporters. Regardless of this call, Dionyssus distinguished themselves on 3 counts: 1) as a band playing music with a commercial future; 2) by their charisma; 3) they were the only band whose fans are so impatient for merchandise that they’d printed up their own t-shirts.

The show kicked off with ‘Free Style’ and the reaction was immediate. The crowd was jumping. Inventiveness wasn’t what got me. They have time for that. And kookiness gets tired after a while so it’s not missed. This band has something more enduring – stage presence, rocking performances, potent tunes, and the vocals.

Rory has a charming manner but that doesn’t prepare you for his voice. Strong, melodious, and totally rock-star. If only the set had been long enough to do vulnerable. It turns out George and Robin sing pretty too. But Sunday was all about crashing tunes. The boys played songs from their new EP – ‘If I Could Fly’, ‘AC Marshall’, ‘Something’s Happening to Me’ and had an amazing finale with ‘Stomper’, tripping into ‘Kings of the Jungle’ at the end. Keyboards distinguished the band from all other acts that had performed that night, not least because George likes to wave his Casio above his head, while still playing.

I wanted to hear more. No mean feat in the heat and band over-kill of the evening. I wanted time for them to slow it down and then wind the crowd up all over again. Perhaps I’ll print myself one of those t-shirts….

Oh, and all is not lost regarding the band’s hopes of playing at the Carling Academy, Glasgow, in the next round of Emergenza. Check the band’s website for details from Saturday.

© Catriona Paul, 2004