The October Country, who supported The Stranglers the last time they played Newport, headline in their own right next week.
They played with The Stranglers at Newport Centre.
This time they perform at The Riverside Tavern on Wednesday, September 22.
The October Country (name pinched from a book of horrific short stories by Ray Bradbury) are from around South Wales.
Vocalist Dave Merrick from Newport sounds like Carl McCoy from Fields of the Nephilim when he belts out tracks like Johnny Patricide.
Another track from the band's excellent demo, Hurt Yourself, is a desperate anthem in waiting. Merrick moans and groans over the band's creeping deathly crescendos which reverberate like Bauhaus.
The band holds back from all-out mayhem, creating tension throughout the five-track demo.
Menacing basslines from Barry boy Bob Goo are unnerving, there is great texture from the guitars by Swansea's Tequila Ray Max, but the real power lies in the drums, by Bay Mondo Rosso, also from Swansea.
Epic drum fills give The October Country massive depth, the caustic appeal of LA punk and earthquake shake of Black Sabbath.
* The October Country play The Riverside Tavern, Newport, next Wednesday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article