ONECAB Presents at Dubrek Studios: A Night of Alternative Music Showcases Derby’s Grassroots Talent

Derby’s grassroots music scene was alive and well on 4th June 2026 as ONECAB Presents returned to Dubrek Studios for another evening celebrating alternative music. With a decent crowd turning out to support local and emerging bands, the night offered everything from grunge-inspired metal and pop-punk energy to singalong indie anthems and heavy alternative rock.

Events like these are the lifeblood of Derby’s music community. They provide a platform for bands to develop, experiment and connect with audiences while giving music fans the chance to discover new favourites in an intimate setting. This latest ONECAB Presents gig was another reminder that some of the most exciting live music experiences can be found far away from arenas and festival main stages.

Aspera Open the Night with Grunge, Groove and Heavy Riffs

First up were Aspera, who wasted little time establishing the heavier side of the evening. Blending alternative metal with grunge influences, the band delivered a set packed with crunchy riffs, thick grooves and some seriously impressive guitar work.

At times their sound evoked memories of Alice In Chains, particularly in the way dark, sludgy guitar tones were layered beneath melodic vocal passages. The contrast between the heavy instrumentation and the lead singer’s softer, almost sultry vocal style worked particularly well, creating a dynamic that kept the audience engaged throughout.

When the songs called for it, however, the softer vocals gave way to aggressive screams that added an extra layer of intensity. It was a combination that felt natural rather than forced, helping the band carve out their own identity despite obvious influences from the alternative metal world.

The guitar solos were another highlight. Rather than serving as simple technical showcases, they were woven into the songs and elevated the overall performance. Combined with the band’s knack for writing powerful riffs, it created plenty of memorable moments throughout the set.

One of the biggest reactions came during their cover of a Knocked Loose track. The heavier direction immediately connected with the crowd and even sparked some windmilling in the pit, proving there were plenty of hardcore fans in attendance. By the time the band moved into some sludgier, doom-laden territory towards the end of their set, they had firmly established themselves as one of the night’s standout heavy acts.

Cherry Stone Bring Pop-Punk Energy and Big Vocals

Next on stage were Cherry Stone, who shifted the evening’s sound into more melodic territory while retaining plenty of heaviness.

Led by a vocalist with a genuinely powerful voice, the band blended pop-punk foundations with alternative rock influences and occasional flashes of nu-metal. The result was a sound that felt both familiar and distinctive.

Their set featured a mixture of original material and covers, allowing the audience to get a strong sense of who they are as a band while also enjoying some recognisable favourites. While many of the songs leaned into catchy melodies and accessible hooks, Cherry Stone were not afraid to crank up the volume when required.

Several tracks became surprisingly heavy, with thick guitar tones and driving rhythms adding extra weight beneath the vocals. That heavier edge is perhaps where the band’s nu-metal influence reveals itself most clearly. It gives their music an extra punch without sacrificing melody.

Vocally, there was a soulful and slightly bluesy quality throughout the set that helped separate them from many modern pop-punk acts. It added warmth and personality to the performance while allowing the bigger choruses to hit even harder.

At times, comparisons to Paramore felt unavoidable. The combination of energetic alternative rock, strong female-fronted vocals and dynamic songwriting naturally brought the band to mind. Fittingly, Cherry Stone also treated the audience to a Paramore cover, which went down well with the crowd and showcased just how comfortably the band can handle larger, more established material.

By the end of their performance, Cherry Stone had delivered one of the most entertaining and accessible sets of the night while still maintaining enough heaviness to satisfy the alternative music fans in attendance.

Orchard Deliver a Headline Performance Packed with Great Originals

Headlining the evening were Orchard, who rounded off the night with a confident and varied set that highlighted just how strong their original material has become.

One of the most impressive aspects of Orchard’s performance was the diversity within their songwriting. Several songs sounded vastly different from one another, yet there was still a consistent thread running throughout the set that made everything feel unmistakably Orchard. Finding that balance is not easy, but they managed it effortlessly.

The band also mixed in a handful of covers during their set. One particularly memorable moment saw them transition from one of their own songs into The Stone Roses classic I Wanna Be Adored, creating a seamless blend between original and borrowed material.

The covers continued with versions of Muse’s Supermassive Black Hole and Limp Bizkit’s Break Stuff. The latter remains one of those songs that almost always creates a reaction in a live setting, and this performance was no exception. It brought an extra surge of energy to the room and gave the audience another opportunity to let loose.

As enjoyable as the covers were, however, it was Orchard’s own songs that truly stole the show.

One standout moment came during a song written by Callum and performed alongside Maisie. The track connected immediately with the audience, prompting crowd clapping and singalongs that transformed the room into a genuinely communal experience. It was one of those moments that reminded everyone why live music matters.

The band also performed Vape Shop, a track that has become something of a fan favourite. It remains a brilliant song and once again translated perfectly to a live environment.

Throughout the set, Orchard demonstrated their ability to balance heavier moments with strong melodies and excellent vocals. Whether delivering powerful riffs or more emotionally driven passages, the band’s performance never lost momentum.

Another Strong Night for Derby’s Grassroots Music Scene

ONECAB Presents continues to provide a valuable platform for alternative music in Derby, and this latest event at Dubrek Studios was another success.

Aspera brought grunge-inspired heaviness and crushing riffs. Cherry Stone delivered catchy hooks, huge vocals and a welcome dose of pop-punk energy. Orchard closed the evening with a headline set full of standout originals, crowd participation and memorable performances.

Most importantly, the crowd turned out to support live music. In an era where grassroots venues continue to face challenges, nights like this demonstrate the importance of local promoters, independent venues and music fans working together to keep scenes alive.

If this gig proved anything, it is that Derby’s alternative music scene remains in good health, and ONECAB Presents is continuing to play an important role in helping it thrive.

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