Shoot First: Minus IQ Visit Dundee

8th May 2009

Dundee has a good music scene.  Since moving here from Elgin (which has practically nothing to offer in terms of live music) last September I have made it my mission to attend as many live gigs as possible.  On the 28th of April the Underground club opened its doors to host vibrant pop musicians from north London: Minus IQ.

This is not the first time I have witnessed Minus IQ play live – as they have played in venues around Dundee several times now- and it is not the first time I have been impressed by their style and talent. This gig, however, was even more special.  Minus IQ’s current jaunt around the UK is to promote their debut album, Home Cinema, released officially on the 4th of May on the indie record label Greengarden Records. 

Having managed to acquire an album from the band prior to its official release I was able to experience the full depth of their musical talent and song writing ability. Filled with catchy and original guitar riffs and synth lines coupled with intelligent lyrics and a fantastic vibe it is a riot of electro pop/rock spread over twelve great songs. The greatest show of Minus IQ’s talent, however, lies in their live performance.

Underground is a nice place to watch a gig not due to the sound quality (which is unfortunately sub par) but because of the atmosphere in the small club.  This time fans of Minus IQ filed in to watch what would turn out to be a highly entertaining concert.

When the music began the crowd were stuck by the tightness and professionalism of the bands performance, and by their seemingly boundless energy. Singer Charlie Allen astounded the people gathered with his over the top performance, enticing the crowd to dance with a mix of great performance and banter. The band (including drummer Jake Schogger, guitarist Michael Lane and bassist Justin Pither) assaulted the fans with waves of sound and an admirable amount of musical skill. The crowd were duly impressed.

Possibly the most admirable aspect of Minus IQ however is the hard work that they put into their musical career and the way they view their fans.  Being a band that mainly self promotes they are constantly touring the UK and taking their music, first person, to more and more people.  There are not enough bands around in general, let alone in Dundee, of their calibre and their return will be welcomed warmly.

Check out www.myspace.com/minusiq   
Written By: Christian Simmons

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