Rhino Club

With questionable acoustics and sound the Rhino has played host to some bands that sound as if they''ve plugged into tape recorders. Despite such conditions and a compact venue the Rhino on a Wednesday plays host to a friendly atmosphere as well as a diverse population. Tonights event was local legend DJ Hammy upstairs and various bands/DJ''s downstairs. The only problem tonight is that Hammy is apparently stranded on the Isle of Wight with replacement Matt being drafted in. The night kicks off quietly and only begins to get busy when the first band ''The Infamous'' take to stage and blaze through an opening intro track only to run into techincal difficulties over the next couple of songs. Despite this setback the energetic 3-piece showed great confidence and a wide range of influences from blues rock to mainstream to psychedelia.After this the punters headed for the upstairs leaving a slightly less crowded room to be filled by The Autocircus. A great melodic pop band with summer riffs and a German obsessed Bassist Autocircus played a memorable set that got the feet tapping that included their two best songs ''Little Victories'' and So Heavy'' which was concluded by a elongated Bass solo.

The Rhino club has been a fixture in Southampton''s nightlife since the late 80s, and continues to offer exciting clubbing experience for underground music lovers. It''s currently undergoing interior renovations that will only add to its allure, and ward off complaints of its "cloakroom feel". This venue is not for the average clubber looking for a few drinks and some dancing, but for serious music lovers with diverse tastes and appreciation. Catch some Indie vibes on Wednesdays, Funk''d up old school disco, hip hop and funk at Thursdays'' "Discovation", or some no-nonsense house on Saturdays. Word around town is that the queues can be unbearable on the weekends, so be prepared to enjoy the outside of the Rhino before getting your fill inside. Even the line up has its own atmosphere, as clubbers use the opportunity to meet, mingle and network before unleashing inside. They could do with some major improvements to their drink selection and prices, plus a few new "people friendly" bouncers (they are out there somewhere), but after seventeen years in business they have consistently delivered when it comes to good music, and desirable atmosphere.To lend to that atmosphere, there is a dress code in force so hit the high street before queuing up. There are discounts for NSU members and Rhino club memberships up for grabs. The Rhino already has a remarkable reputation that can only get better with a few subtle changes.