Rocktoberfest set to rock Belfast

SO:NI (Sounds of N.I) are ready to get Belfast rocking next week when they present a fantastic evening featuring four of the finest emerging rock outfits N.I has to offer at Rocktoberfest 2010.

Rocktoberfest, a tongue in cheek, though apt, take on the famous beer festival will rock the foundations at Belfast's beautiful Empire Music Hall (Botanic Avenue) on Thursday October 14.

Headliners Million Dollar Reload have recently been showcasing some excellent new material from their forthcoming second album, but have also had their classic first release Anthems of a Degeneration re-mixed, re-mastered and re-released on the High Voltage label (owned by the highly influential Classic Rock magazine). Always an exciting and in-your-face live prospect, MDR are the perfect act to headline Rocktoberfest!

Special guests Nasa Assassin have been building a serious head of steam after only a year of gigging, and incendiary performances, such as their manic closing set at Sunflower Fest 2010, have seen them build a healthy following – hooked on their huge, crunching riffage – and large dollops of that oft-forgotten ingredient of the finest rock music – humour.

Also on the bill is Take The Fifth – a uniquely "Belfast" rock band – highly articulate and intelligent, and featuring members of such acts as Ashanti and The Defects. Indeed, this group share much of Ashanti's knack for writing deeply affecting and passionate songs. They will launch their second E.P – Keepers of The Zoo at this show.

Kicking the night off is The Dead Presidents – already described as "N.I's kings of funky rock'n'roll", their charismatic stage presence and supremely fun music has seen them make great strides of late, including a show-stealing performance at the aforementioned Sunflower Fest. The boys are fresh from selling out their own headline show at Auntie Annie's, and will undoubtedly kick the night off in style!

Doors open at 8.30pm, and admission is only 5.

That same weekend, the folks from SO:NI will also be hosting the debut E.P launch for classic rockers Sweet Taste at The Pavilion Bar (Ormeau Road) – on Saturday October 16, with support from garage-rockers The Kicks, and young sleaze-rock outfit Midnight Transmission. Doors open 9pm, Admission is 4.

All info on SO:NI shows can be found at www.myspace.com/onesonimusic or by searching Soni Live on Facebook.

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