ONECAB Presents Delivers Another Night of Derby’s Best Alternative Music at Dubrek Studios

Derby’s grassroots music scene thrives on promoters who consistently back emerging talent, and ONECAB continues to prove why it has become one of the city’s most important platforms for alternative music. Returning to Dubrek Studios on 2nd July, another carefully curated bill brought together three local bands, each offering something different while sharing a common thread of guitar-driven energy. With grunge, garage rock, theatrical pop rock and a healthy dose of ’90s influence running throughout the evening, this was another reminder that Derby’s underground scene is producing some genuinely exciting acts.

The night carried a noticeably grungier atmosphere than previous ONECAB events, and from the opening band onwards there was a real sense that heavy guitars, raw songwriting and authentic performances were taking centre stage.

Deceit Make a Confident Debut

Opening the evening were Deceit, a young grunge band from Derby making their live debut. First gigs can often be nervous affairs, but you would never have guessed this was their first time on stage. They played with the confidence of a band that has already spent months gigging together.

Their sound sits comfortably alongside the classic Seattle movement of the early 1990s, drawing on thick guitar tones, melodic hooks and the kind of raw vocal delivery that made grunge so compelling in the first place. Rather than feeling like an imitation, Deceit managed to capture the spirit of that era while still sounding fresh.

It was a short set, but one packed with promise. If this performance is anything to go by, they are a band well worth keeping an eye on as they continue to develop.

Recoil Bring Theatre, Melody and Endless Energy

Second on the bill were Recoil, immediately grabbing the room’s attention with an unexpected cover of Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance before launching straight into their own material.

From the outset it became clear this wasn’t going to be a straightforward rock performance. Recoil blend theatricality with alternative rock, creating a show that feels every bit as visual as it is musical. Fronted by commanding female vocals and backed by keys alongside a full six-piece lineup, the band produce a surprisingly expansive sound.

Their music constantly shifts direction without ever losing its identity. At times it leans into pop rock, elsewhere there are funk-inspired rhythms, theatrical flourishes and soaring melodic passages. Every member contributes something distinctive, but the rhythm section deserves particular praise, with the drumming providing an energetic backbone throughout the set.

Perhaps the most enjoyable part of watching Recoil is seeing just how much they enjoy performing together. Every member looks completely invested in what they’re doing, and that enthusiasm is infectious. The audience found themselves nodding along almost instinctively.

Midway through the performance they slowed the pace with a beautifully written song that showcased both the band’s songwriting ability and the vocalist’s range before later treating the crowd to a welcome nod towards Fall Out Boy.

It’s difficult to pin Recoil into a single genre, and that’s probably their greatest strength. They clearly draw inspiration from a wide variety of influences, yet everything comes together to create a sound that feels uniquely theirs.

The Dissociates Continue Their Rise

Headlining the evening were The Dissociates, a band that somehow seem to improve every single time they step onto a stage.

Having seen them perform several times over the past year, this felt like the moment where everything really clicked into place. They appear to have found their identity, their songwriting feels more focused, and their confidence continues to grow with every performance.

They wasted no time diving straight into a gritty garage rock opener before following it with Dissolve, a sleazy slice of grunge that perfectly captured the band’s swagger. Throughout the set there were flashes of classic garage rock alongside punk energy, with moments that even hinted at the raw charisma of Iggy Pop.

One of the standout moments came during Sedation. Beginning with a low, brooding bassline before exploding into chaotic, Nirvana-inspired grunge, it perfectly captured that early Seattle sound where punk attitude collided with heavy riffs and melodic songwriting.

The set also featured one of the night’s biggest surprises with a cover of Silverchair’s Freak. It’s a song rarely heard live these days, making it refreshing to see a younger band paying tribute to one of grunge’s most underrated acts. The audience clearly appreciated it, and it fitted seamlessly into the rest of the performance.

Closing the evening, the band leaned even further into heavier territory. While unmistakably rooted in grunge and garage rock, there were moments during the final track where hints of nu metal crept into the riffs, adding another dimension to an already varied set.

Whatever direction The Dissociates choose to take next, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: they are growing into one of Derby’s standout alternative bands.

Another Strong Night for Derby’s Grassroots Scene

ONECAB continues to demonstrate exactly what grassroots promoters should be doing. Rather than chasing established names, they consistently give local bands opportunities to develop while building line-ups that genuinely complement one another.

This was another evening that highlighted the depth of talent coming through Derby’s alternative music scene. Three bands, three very different approaches to rock music, yet all united by honest songwriting, energetic performances and an obvious passion for what they do.

For anyone looking to discover the future of Derby’s alternative scene before everyone else does, ONECAB nights remain some of the best gigs in the city. Long may they continue.

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