Juke  - Live - Monto Water Rats

Supporting Hundred Reasons - 26/11/2009

With the increasing amount of young hopefuls attempting to transcend their opponents, the music industry is becoming more and more of a shrinking hole for unsigned bands. Is it the popularity of the genre, or perhaps are there just so many artists that we don’t need more replicates of groups promising to be the ‘next big thing?’ But here’s where this theory crumples, and it lies within the efforts of honest bands that do not seek the quickest route to stardom, but rather do what they do best; making honest music. Juke is that example.

You’d think that a group of 17 and 18 year olds within the heart of Kent could only appeal to a select crowd. However, you’d also be mistaken in underestimating this band’s potential. In the short time of this band’s touring career, they have won several Battle of the Bands competitions, appeared on lineups supporting well known acts such as the Holloways, Franko, and also headlined a few shows of their own. Tonight, the very fact that these lads have pushed their way to supporting Brit-Metal legends Hundred Reasons is a clear indication of the tenacious drive that they display. But what makes Juke different to any other band, striving to break away into the mainstream? Well that can be summed up in tonight’s performance. Taking the stage to an increasingly-interested crowd, the band’s showmanship is apparent as they progress though their intricate setlist. Performing tracks such as ‘To Be Entertained’ and ‘The Breakdown,’ the level of Juke’s performance is something of a marvel. There is undoubtedly a fearsome amount of talent in this band, as seen through drummer Rian O’Grady’s mastery on the kit. Likewise, the complexity of Tom Casey’s basslines are more than enough to get this quiet London audience completely enthralled within the aura of this group. At the close of their set, guitarist Jamie Jessop lets loose over frontman Jon Smith’s groovy rhythm passages. For those fans of progressive rock, you’ll notice there’s an extreme likeness to Petrucci’s distinct style, and Jessop couldn’t pull it off in a more impressive manner.

For those who say that ‘rock is dead,’ these guys are sure to alter your opinion, and also open your eyes to the genuine rising stars of the future. I’m not supposing anything, but if tonight’s performance is anything to go by, then Juke are definitely in store for a well-deserved chance to amaze an even more diverse audience.

Check Juke out at www.myspace.com/jukebanduk.