Scheer (Students’ Bar, University College Dublin)

Make no mistake about it. Scheer are brilliant. Confronted with a slightly restrained student audience tonight they still managed to electrify the air with their presence. Besides, in lead singer Audrey they have an engaging and compelling front person who is refreshingly free of the stultifying self-consciousness of cool. This is a warm-up gig of new material before the intrepid five-piece are flown off to the ‘States for some low-key showcases in New York. The best of the new songs is ‘You Said’. It’s that little bit faster and punkier than the rest of the set. ‘Sad Loved Girl’ also sounded intriguing. While ‘Screaming’ breached the boundaries I’d like to see Scheer violate with greater frequency.

They should up the rhythm and lead guitars and trash them around more. More shuffle and noise of a lighter but faster variety would coincide and complement Audrey’s vocal prowess better and suitably up the ante methinks. Nevertheless, Scheer are always tight and intensely credible.

The highlight is, naturally, ‘Don’t Know Why’ which features the perfect marriage of the band’s inclination to play the heavies and Audrey’s desire to rev things up with more vigour and libido. It’s as if Audrey’s natural energy and (im)pulse challenges the rest of the band to follow suit. The result, without exaggeration, is a song deserving of immortality!

Certain musical styles have already had their day. Scheer should be wary of this. However, I know in my heart and soul that if they obey their own central nervous systems more and push their music a little further in a very short time they’ll be unsurpassable. Already they’re prodigious but now is the time to become unique, which is even better.

• Patrick Brennan.