The Red Stripe Music Award hit The Cellar on Saturday with a showcase to help local bands grab the attention of the music industry.

Brickwork Lizards opened the showcase, an original seven-piece band playing a set packed full of eclectic sounds including 1940s ballad vocals, plus Egyptian-influenced lutes, cello, and rap twists. They delivered a unique, polished performance to an eager toe-tapping and jigging crowd, a hugely talented bunch with a lot of different sounds going on.

Next up were The Elrics, bursting onto the stage to deliver a well performed and energetic set of catchy pop/rock, despite their lack of sound check.

They performed like it meant everything to them, headed by a front man with a huge stage presence and attitude-filled vocals, superb linear drums, performing catchy songs, the crowd just didn’t want to end.

Dr Slaggleberry were up next. They are a trio who certainly break the mould. Concealing their everyday identities with white masks, these three lads performed intense, hardcore riffs with no vocals and impeccable drums.

It was an unforgettable performance and technically tight, giving diehard music types something to gasp at and air guitar to.

Certainly not for the faint hearted, though!

Last up were Souljacker, who performed their furious big sound 70s style rock with great professionalism. Spurred on by adoring fans, these five talented guys delivered huge energy songs to lyrics of “Bird of Prey” and “Naked”, with Led Zep-esqe double lead guitar panache softened with some more funky undertones.

They finished their energetic and personable performance with fans literally begging for more. * In April, 20 bands will be shortlisted and considered by a board of A&R, music journalists and industry specialists – finally resting on four finalists who will play at The Kentish Town Forum in May and be judged by a panel of four big industry names.

With slots at three of the summer’s major festivals, including The Great Escape, guaranteed for the winner, The Red Stripe Music Award is described by many promoters as live music’s answer to the Mercury Music Prize.