OneCab Presents at Dubrek Studios: Alternative Chaos, Youth Energy and Industrial Mayhem in Derby

Derby’s grassroots live music scene continues to prove why it is one of the Midlands’ most exciting creative hubs, and Friday 20th February was no exception. OneCab Presents at Dubrek Studios delivered a genre-blurring night that showcased everything from teenage alt-rock ambition to thunderous punk minimalism and full-blown industrial scuzz metal.

With OneCab now securing a monthly residency at Dubrek Studios, this event marks the beginning of what could become a defining platform for Derby’s alternative music community. If this opening instalment is anything to go by, the local scene is in very safe hands.

The People: Youthful Energy and Alt-Rock Nostalgia

Kicking off the evening were The People, a remarkably young band aged between 14 and 16, playing their first proper gig-and what a debut it was.

It is genuinely encouraging to see so many young bands emerging across Derby at the moment. The city feels like it is experiencing a grassroots revival, with new names appearing on line-ups more frequently. The People are a perfect example of that fresh wave.

Their set leaned into alternative rock and indie classics, delivering crowd-pleasing covers with surprising confidence. From a heartfelt rendition of Radiohead’s Creep to an energetic take on Foo Fighters’ Everlong, they chose songs that demand emotional depth and vocal power.

A standout moment came with their version of Nirvana’s Polly-primarily rooted in the Nevermind arrangement, but cleverly switching into a subtle nod to the more distorted punk Rock New Wave Polly towards the end. A thoughtful touch that showed musical awareness well beyond their years.

They also tackled Paramore and Avril Lavigne, adding a punchy pop-rock edge to the set. Despite her small stature, the band’s frontwoman possesses a strikingly powerful voice that filled the room with ease.

For a first real show, this was confident, polished and genuinely exciting. Full credit to OneCab for giving such young musicians the opportunity to step onto a proper stage. If this is where The People begin, it will be fascinating to see how they evolve over the coming year.

Wired Euphoria: Big Sound, Two People, Maximum Impact

Next up were Wired Euphoria, a two-piece that somehow sound like a four-piece.

From the first hit of the drums, the volume in the room surged. Thunderous drum lines collided with thrashing guitar riffs, creating a wall of sound that felt far larger than the band’s physical presence.

Their fusion of indie rock and punk rock delivered pace, aggression and groove in equal measure. Vocally, there was a soulful undercurrent running through the chaos, adding contrast to the speed and distortion.

At moments, their sound echoed the bass-heavy punch of Royal Blood, the energy of Green Day and flashes of early Strokes grit. Yet despite those comparisons, Wired Euphoria maintained their own identity-fast, loud and unapologetically direct.

Dubrek’s intimate setting works brilliantly for bands like this. The proximity intensifies everything: the volume, the sweat, the movement. And movement there was.

A huge performance from a minimal setup-proof that sometimes less really is more.

Silent Confidant: Industrial Scuzz and Controlled Carnage

Headlining the evening were Silent Confidant, and they may well be the heaviest band to ever grace the Dubrek stage.

Industrial scuzz. Relentless distortion. Bone-rattling volume.

The last time I saw them, they performed as a two-piece. This time, they brought in a special guest on bass, and the added low-end gave their already monstrous sound even more depth and brutality.

The crowd response was immediate. Moshers launched into motion, punches flying (in the friendliest possible way), bodies bouncing off each other as the room transformed into a kinetic mass of chaos.

There were moments of crowd participation, theatrical flourishes and even some behind-the-head guitar playing in full Hendrix style. At one point, two audience members were handed Lucille-style baseball bats with instructions to “wait until I say and go for it”. And they did. For the record, no one was seriously injured-although heads were certainly ringing.

Beyond the spectacle, the songs themselves are genuinely strong. This is not noise for the sake of noise. Silent Confidant write heavy tracks with structure, groove and intent. They are as musically tight as they are explosive.

They are one of the East Midlands most exciting heavy acts right now, and if you have not yet streamed their music, you are missing out.

OneCab’s Monthly Residency at Dubrek Studios: A Boost for Derby’s Alternative Scene

With OneCab now holding a monthly slot at Dubrek Studios in Derby, this could become a cornerstone event for the city’s alternative and underground community.

The beauty of this particular night was its diversity:

• Teenage alt-rock covers
• Indie-punk two-piece ferocity
• Industrial metal carnage

Three completely different sounds sharing one stage, one crowd and one atmosphere.

That is what grassroots music should be about.

Word on the street suggests the next OneCab Presents will be a more mellow, acoustic-led affair-a total change of pace from the distortion-heavy chaos of this instalment. That willingness to switch gears and explore different textures will only strengthen the residency.

Why Nights Like This Matter for Derby Live Music

Derby’s live music ecosystem thrives on venues like Dubrek Studios and promoters like OneCab who are willing to take risks on emerging talent.

From giving 14-year-olds their first serious stage experience, to platforming heavier industrial acts that do not fit the mainstream mould, this night represented exactly what the alternative scene should be: inclusive, loud and forward-thinking.

Friday 20th February was not just another gig. It was a statement that Derby’s alternative scene is alive, evolving and refusing to be quiet.

If you care about grassroots music in Derby, keep an eye on OneCab’s monthly shows at Dubrek Studios.

The next one cannot come soon enough.

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