Review: Radar 2009 - Aldershot Princes Hall - 16/04/2009

Designed to fill the void left by the closure of Guildford's Civic Hall, Radar 2009 was always going to be an ambitious concept, consisting of three warm up shows, culminating in one final all-dayer, at Aldershot Princes Hall.

Opening today's final show are Farnham's Forever Wednesday. The band have just returned from Cardiff after recording their new EP, and play with an assured confidence of a band on the way to better things. Progressive indie group A Stranger In Moscow, are next on stage, and also impress, as the room slowly fills out.

Outcry Collective however, leave the crowd somewhat bemused. Despite being at the forefront of their respective scene, and a band arguably at the top of their game, they seem very out of place on the bill. Woking's All Forgotten though, receive a far better response. With soaring vocals, and note perfect harmonies, the band are a prime example of the talent on offer in the region.

Enjoy Destroy's set however is blighted by sound and technical problems. The band already have a European tour under their belts (with rock heavyweights Alter Bridge) so have little problem captivating those in attendance, with their rock anthems.

Despite their placing on the bill, Canterbury could easily have headlined. They get the best crowd reaction by far, alongside the biggest singalong of the day with track 'Set You Right.' Canterbury are local favourites, and are returning to Aldershot again on May 2, with All Forgotten. On the evidence of tonight's performance, that show is not one to be missed.

Data Select Party, although not as well known as Canterbury, are a band who are hotly tipped to make it into the big league. They have already had airplay on the nation's biggest radio stations, and show no sign of slowing things down. Their quirky indie rock, in the vein of Foals, impresses everyone. Don't be surprised if this time next year, they are regularly playing venues this size.

Headliners, Tonight Is Goodbye are another band in the ascendancy. With daily airplay on Kerrang, and a collection of infectious pop-punk songs, those in attendance were in for a treat. Older songs like 'Black Dress' are received well, but new single 'Fire in the Hole' is the clear highlight of the set, and provides the perfect end to the evening.

The hundreds of teenagers in attendance clearly highlight's the demand for live music in the Guildford and Aldershot area, and although ambitious, the final Radar show is evidently a success.

Chris Powers