The Local Underground at The Vic Inn: A Night of Noise, Nerves and New Discoveries

Derby’s grassroots powerhouse, The Vic Inn, proved once again why it remains the beating heart of the East Midlands alternative scene. On Thursday 20 November, Musik Box delivered The Local Underground – a stacked showcase of punk, emo, metal and groove-soaked chaos featuring The Outers, Sinker, Hystamine, Orchard and headliners Skattabox. For a cold Thursday night in November, the turnout was more than respectable. The crowd never once lost momentum, moving from the first downstroke to the final cymbal smash.

What followed was a reminder of why Derby’s music scene is thriving: new bands, fearless energy, risk-taking performances and a venue that backs it all.

The Outers: South East London’s Post-Punk Charmers Light Up Derby

Opening the night were The Outers, who proved that travelling from South East London was more than worth the effort. Their sound darts between post-punk edge and Britpop swagger, with flashes of The Libertines’ scrappy poetry and unexpected operatic flourishes in the vocals. It made for an addictive set that had feet moving and heads nodding within seconds.

Fronted by the first female vocalist of the evening, The Outers delivered charisma throughout their performance. She may have been the smallest person on the stage, but she had the biggest presence. Her voice carried effortlessly across the room. Sharp, stylish and full of confidence, she commanded every moment between swirling guitar lines and melodic breakdowns. A brilliant introduction to the night and a band well worth watching on their return.

Sinker: A Blood-Soaked, High-Velocity Debut

Local newcomers Sinker took the stage next for their live debut, and Derby immediately adopted them as one of its own. Post-hardcore, Screamo and alternative influences collided at full speed. Ferocious riffs, brutal basslines and frantic, intricate drums drove a set that felt like being hit with a freight train powered by raw emotion.

One of the standout features was their dual-vocal approach: lead guitar handling the screams while the drummer delivered soulful, melodic lines. The contrast created something genuinely impressive, a blend of vulnerability and unfiltered rage.

The first mosh pit of the night erupted instantly. The Vic Inn crowd loves a bit of Skramz chaos, and Sinker delivered it with force. The set was so energetic that vocalist Nate ended with blood running down his head – the unofficial badge of honour for an unhinged but unforgettable debut. They closed with a fantastic Title Fight cover that sent the room into meltdown. An explosive introduction from a band who will undoubtedly become a Derby favourite.

Hystamine: Heavy, Atmospheric and Fearlessly Loud

Hystamine followed with a thunderous performance. After a brief guitar swap delay, they unleashed a wall of sound that shook the venue. Blending metal, punk and atmospheric alt-rock, their set showcased everything from soaring, Evanescence-style vocals to guttural screams that sliced through the distortion.

Their presence was commanding. Crushing guitars, pounding drums and booming bass created a storm of energy that never let up. The crowd responded instantly, drawn into the dark, theatrical intensity of their sound. Hystamine are loud, bold and impossible to ignore – and their set proved they’re one of the heaviest live acts currently circulating the Midlands circuit.

Orchard: Young, Raw and Ready to Tear Up the Scene

Orchard, a Derby-based four-piece rock outfit, brought serious youthful energy to the stage. Their blend of rock, metal and grunge hit hard, with a raw edge that felt authentic and exciting. The crowd erupted during their covers of Deftones and Limp Bizkit, shouting lyrics back at the band and giving the room a proper throwback feel.

But Orchard didn’t rely on nostalgia. Their original blues-rock tune featured some standout guitar shredding and showed depth beyond their years. Mixing grunge elements with heavier rock edges, they proved themselves a band with real potential and a clear identity in the making. A strong Midlands performance from a group who will only grow sharper with every gig.

Skattabox: Derby’s Lore-Driven Groove-Punk Masters Deliver a Headline Set to Remember

Closing the night were the always-anticipated Skattabox, and they exceeded every expectation. Self-described as a “lore-driven groove-punk” band, they blend funk, punk, rap and rock into something genuinely unique.

Slap bass, wah-wah pedals and deep groove rhythms laid the foundation for a set overflowing with energy. The synth work added a dreamy edge, while the drums snapped with precision. Vocally, the band rode a line between ferocious punk delivery and old-school hip-hop chanting reminiscent of Beastie Boys, Run DMC and Stereo MCs, with a twist of Red Hot Chili Peppers funk attitude. The result was electric.

Skattabox are one of those rare local bands who feel entirely distinctive while still tapping into the nostalgia of influential genres. Fun, fearless and bursting with character, they ended the night on an absolute high. Their return in the new year is already one to mark in the calendar.

A Celebratory Night for Derby’s Grassroots Music Scene

The Local Underground was another triumph for Musik Box and The Vic Inn – a reminder that Derby’s underground music community thrives on passion, talent and an unapologetically loud commitment to creativity. From South London post-punk to Derby’s own groove-punk heavyweights, every band delivered something fresh and memorable.

Long live the Vic Inn, long live Derby’s local scene and long live nights like this.

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