For years the Joiners in Southampton has played host to bands who are on the ascent to bigger and brighter things.

When Melbourne, Australia’s Pagan rolled into town there was certainly a sense “this will be special” surrounding the band.

Opening act Curbwire did there best to endear themselves to the limited audience in attendance to start the show.

There blend of alternative rock was non-offensive but not something that you could recall instantly.

• 

Arid Wave had more success of warming up a slightly tepid crowd.

Their riff heavy laden alternative rock had hints of post-hardcore to it, but it was the sheer energy and aggression that their drummer was playing with which stole the show for the band, who clearly won over some fans this evening.

The energy levels picked up when main support Pleiades stepped onto the stage.

Their vocalist Andy Calderbank throwing himself around the whole venue as the band mixed together Deafheaven style guitars with Circa Survive vibe vocals.

As the lights went out just leaving an upside-down bright neon pink cross to light up the stage Pagan’s latest service was about to start  

As soon as the four-piece come on stage the room filled with bodies and the energy levels dramatically went up.

Like a pneumatic drill Pagan powered through songs off their critically acclaimed debut record Black Wash.

Vocalist Nikki Brumen presents an imposing figure on the stage, from her screeching vocals to pure levels of sass in her dancing, she mesmerises the audience like putty in her hand.

However, this is not just the Brumen show, Xavier Santilli’s catchy guitar hooks will got heads banging, Dan Bonnici’s energy and backing vocals added a nice ying to the yang of Bruman will Drummer Matt Marasco was an absolute powerhouse mixing up disco beats with blast beats.  

Pagan are certainly a star on the rise and to catch them in a small venue while you can is an opportunity that everyone should take.