Bigtopp

The real shout about act of the night however were the support, Bigtopp...

Bigtopp are an 8 piece ska outfit that hail from the South Coast, previously sharing stage with the likes of Zebrahead and Streetlight Manifesto to name just a few, the boys really looked like they could have been the headline for the night.

Ska is a genre that should really come alive in a live gig, and this it did with Bigtopp, they use fully their large ensemble of instrument, including: Keys, Drums, Bass Guitar, Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Trombone and Guitar.

The band seemed to gel so well together on the tiny stage and had loads of fun whilst playing an array of songs that will feature on their new album coming this spring. They range from catchy sing alongs, to bouncy love songs and back again.

The boys played a game with an early arriving crowd that if the crowd liked a song, they stepped forward or the opposite if disliked. By 3 or 4 tracks in the front of the venue was soon filling up with people dancing. This really is "brilliantly melody-d" music that you can actually dance to and not just skank to!

To say I'm excited about the new album would be an understatement, and so should you be, Big things to come for Bigtopp!! - Huskins Media

I’m pretty sure I’ll be saying that about opening act Bigtopp someday. Vocalist James had an instant rapport with the crowd, despite starting out by proudly announcing that the band is from Portsmouth – no small achievement in a Southampton venue. This band really understands the importance of stage presence, and my first impression as they launched into their opening song was why haven’t I seen these guys before?! With a heavily reggae-inspired set and some great jazzy moments on the sax, Bigtopp’s sound is totally original, and counting Mad Caddies among their influences, it was no surprise that I loved them. Their cover of Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry did the original real justice, but it was original track Xplorer which really won over the crowd, and I was no exception. With thoughtful lyrics, perfectly executed vocals and a joyful larger-than-life performance from the whole band, this song is an instant favourite. King of the Hill was another great crowd-pleasing track, and the band’s irrepressible dancing – including the ‘shuffle’ across the stage, which the crowd were invited to join in with – was infectious. These guys should go far, and having already supported such well-known bands as Streetlight Manifesto, Catch 22 and Sonic Boom Six, they’re already well on their way. - Punk Prospect