It’s Friday night in Aberdeen. ‘What is there to do?’ you ask. Well, we go and support our local scene. Decade were putting on their biggest show to date, their first headline show to be precise and it was not one to be missed. Even before the first band had hit the stage, Drummonds was already bustling with punters of all ages looking forward to the night ahead.
The Palladiums opened up the evening with a set filled with new material that the band have been busy recording. However, it was their debut single Green Light Means Go that sparked the most enjoyment from the crowd and was the peak of their performance. New song Try also showed a different side of the band, taking on a slower tempo but with just as much impact as their upbeat material. A strong start to the night, that attracted the audience towards the front of the venue.
Next up were Hector Boys. Those who have studied at Aberdeen University may recognise the name as a play on words of the Hector Boece building at Hillhead halls which itself is named after the first principal of the university. Formed in 2022, it is clear that the band have spent time honing their indie dream sound delivering an impressively tight set filled with crowd-pleasing tracks.
No One Does It Better was an infectious feel-good song with a pleasantly surprising yet seamless meter change towards the end. Jam Jar, another track from their self-titled EP was another standout moment in their performance, whilst Right Now showcased the precision and power of their drummer. A superb choice for a supporting act who came with their own enthusiastic fanbase already familiar with many of their songs.
Finally it was time for the main event. Decade arrived on stage to rapturous applause from a sold out crowd. The local 5-piece entertained us with a set of modern rock with elements of indie and grunge. Frontman Brandon Martin and bassist Alfie Hudson were certainly not shy in hyping up the crowd and building on the boisterous atmosphere already bubbling in the venue.
Their cover of Nirvana’s Lithium was the catalyst that sparked the first of many mosh pits with the building bouncing all the way through to the end of their set. Decade showcased their catalogue of tracks, most of it unreleased but showing much promise for future releases. However, it was latest single Athens that was an attention grabber with its impactful dark and dramatic sound. After a packed 45 minute set, shouts of ‘one more tune’ brought the band back to the stage for a well-deserved encore of their first single Lady which was a crowd favourite.
Overall, a cracking evening from start to finish that went down a treat with those in attendance. Didn’t you know? Local live music is alive and well in Aberdeen.
Enjoy some of the best tracks from the night in the playlist below!