Gig Review: Red Giant December 4th 2025, Southside

The last place I expected to find myself on a rainy Thursday night in the middle of winter, in Lincoln was inside a church at a punk rock gig, but that’s precisely where I ended up. With Only Destiny, Head Cloud, and headliners Red Giant on the lineup, it was the kind of event that calls for black skinny jeans, battered Converse, and a commitment to headbanging so hard you know you’ll wake up with a headache the next morning.

The night kicked off with Only Destiny, a four-piece punk rock band made up of Nate Davenport (vocals and guitar), Mikey Barraclough (bass), Danny LeVay (guitar), and Envy (drums). From the very first note, it was clear they weren’t here to ease the crowd into the evening gently. Instead, they went full pelt, fast, loud, and unapologetic. Their set immediately transformed the space, with the sound of guitars echoing through the church and long hair flying in every direction. There’s something undeniably satisfying about watching a room full of people lose themselves to live music, and judging by the reaction, the crowd was more than on board.

Next up were Head Cloud, who took the already bubbling energy in the room and cranked it up another notch. Their set was tight, energetic, and laced with humour, most notably when the frontman joked that the crowd was small enough for him to go around and ask everyone how they were doing personally. While it may not have been the most packed room Lincoln has ever seen, it quickly became clear that those who weren’t there were the ones missing out. The atmosphere felt intimate in the best way; everyone present was fully invested, fully engaged, and having a genuinely great time.

When Red Giant finally took to the stage, there was no doubt who the night truly belonged to. While their sound isn’t typically what I would gravitate towards, there’s something undeniably captivating about the way they perform. Frontman and guitarist Dave Simpson commanded attention throughout the set, producing sounds from his guitar that I genuinely didn’t know were possible, at one point even playing it on his back, a moment that was as impressive as it was hypnotic. The band’s chemistry and intensity held the room from start to finish, and as chants for “one more song” rang out, it was clear just how much the crowd loved them. When Red Giant delivered on the demand, they didn’t just close the night; they visibly exceeded expectations, leaving the room buzzing long after the final note.

I also need to give a special mention to Envy, who somehow became the unexpected star of the night, appearing on stage for every single set and even making a few friends along the way. It was a fitting reflection of the night as a whole: communal, chaotic, and full of character.

Overall, this church-turned-punk venue hosted a night that proved live music doesn’t need perfection, packed rooms, or predictable settings to be special. It was loud, intimate, and full of energy, and a reminder of just how exciting Lincoln’s grassroots music scene can be.