In what was our biggest turnout yet, 3 more amazing bands played at the final Spotlight event of the year at the Gasometer Hotel last Tuesday the 1^st of December.

Sitting at the heavier end of the rock spectrum, Arcane Saints, warmed up the crowd up with a truly high octane set. Lead singer, Michael John, has a booming voice with a raucous howl that is spectacular to witness while lead guitarist, Michael “Sheep” Gooding, shredded on guitar, showcasing his finger tapping prowess on a few. The band even threw in a strong cover of Alice in Chains, ‘Them Bones’ for good measure. Powerful stuff to kick-start the night.

Switching up the mood, Ulysses Wulf, played a brand of indie rock that is more low key but instantly danceable. Lead singer/guitarist, Yule, is a well-spoken front man with very smooth vocals on par with Julian Casablancas from the Strokes. Singing songs from their debut EP, ‘Like the Present’ the band are bouncy, lively and a hell of a lot of fun. Joking that all their songs are about monsters in one form or another (including ex-girlfriends), Yule and co delivered an entertaining set as the crowd began to gather for the headliners.

One of the most unique bands going around, ETK are more than a band. Spending the past 4 years refining and honing their sound, ETK combine music, film, literature and dance together in one beautiful unified whole, which resembles more of a musical production than just simply a gig.

Adding 3 violins and a cello to their usual line-up, the 9-piece band have an epic sound and awe-inspiring songs to boot. Each song has been meticulously thought out with pre-planned starting positions, props and costumes. So transfixed was the audience in fact, that in between songs, there was utter silence. Rarely have I been at a gig where the whole crowd was so quiet (in the best possible way).

Aside from the amazing string section, the 5 core members of the band have an undeniable chemistry: the insane drumming of Mason Davis, the solid basslines of Liam Powell, fluid keys of Michael Maz and the soaring guitar riffs of Vince Serra all work together seamlessly. It is lead singer, Eris Bel though, who is the face of the band. You just can’t turn your gaze away from her. Commanding the attention of your audience is a difficult task and ETK managed to do this right from the word go. A breathtaking experience from start to finish.

Speaking to Bel after the show, ETK have a vision for the future. “We’ve got a plan. The next show we headline we’re going to launch our first video clip.” Truly, ETK is a band on the rise, and one to look out for in 2016 and beyond.