SATURDAY saw the inaugural night of the South Wales Music Collective in Blackwood’s Penllwyn Manor.

Set deep in a residential area, the manor does not, at first, seem the place to have an alternative rock night.

A converted 16th century manor house built by famous local Henry Morgan, with stunning view of the surrounding countryside and a Sunday carvery, the manor seems almost too idyllic to be the hub of a thriving local alternative scene.

It is, however, heavily committed to local music. With a regular jam night every Thursday and now monthly performances put on by the SWMC, the manor has shown its belief in local artists.

On Saturday five acts stepped up to stake their claim to the new stage.

First up were Cwmbran based Drag Me Down, who t first appear to be another Welsh screamo band.

But after a couple of songs they displayed a funky twist on a now traditionally Welsh style of rock.

The drummer, guitarists and singer throw themselves into a performance which breaks the wall of sound in the right place, yet also makes you want to move your feet.

Next up, and also hailing from Cwmbran, were the moody New Tradition.

The singer is barely audible as he announces each track, which belies his powerful, yet darkly firey voice. The band put out a sound reminiscent of mid 90s grunge , with a very British driving influence.

In complete contrast to the first few acts were the everexcellent Tone Damage. All the way from Ebbw Vale, they played a party style of rock normally associated with American student culture.

Mixed in with a Brit rock-pop sound, this was very effective in creating a counterbalance to the angst of the first two.

After Tone Damage, Cardiff’s Fingertrap took the stage. With tongue in cheek melodies, they effortlessly draw you in to the more serious, beautiful pieces of music. Fingertrap are the musical equivalent of a wry smile, and one that invites you to share it with them.

The final act of the evening was a more traditional Welsh heavy rock band. Also from Cardiff, Enemy Agenda travel a well worn road in Welsh music. Axe poses and headbanging beats were the order of the day, and these boys certainly know how to make some noise. They did show a more sensitive style too, mixing mid American soft rock sounds with explosive, Welsh screamo choruses, the singer varying his voice from hoarse, melodic power to tortured, masculine emotion. It proved an electric combination, and the crowd swarmed around the stage as the band mingled with them.

All in all an excellent, if somewhat varied, night of well-practised, well-performed unsigned music. The evening’s sound engineer, Home Away From Home’s Jon Fisher, was very impressed with the talent on display. “The bands played a tight set and put everything they had into it. They’re all very talented musicians and songwriters. I am privileged to be alongside them in the collective.” he said.