Gemini Effect transformed the Big Fan space into a kaleidoscopic wonderland of sound and visuals, while openers Club Ruby delivered an intimate yet explosive set that established them as a rising force in the punk scene.
The night began with a Club Ruby initiation party, led by the magnetic duo of Ruby (Jade Lewis) and Bubbles (Sophie Gibson), whose chemistry was palpable from the first note.
Ruby, with her fiery red hair and Ramona Flowers aura, paired seamlessly with Bubble’s cool confidence, creating a dynamic energy that fuelled their performance.
They kicked off with a track that exploded with electrifying energy despite a rocky start drowned out by the house music. The pair’s synchronized harmonies and playful stage presence immediately won over the crowd, especially during moments where they let each other shine.
Ruby crouching to give Jade the spotlight for a solo, or both pointing to the guitarists.
Hon (Hon Manawangphiphat) and Jon@th@n (Jonathan Meyer) during their groovy riffs, alongside JJ Stixx’s (Josh Johnston) jazz-metal beats.
Weekend showcased the band’s ability to blend laid-back Punk vibes with rhythmic spoken-word verses, each chorus bringing a fresh variation that kept the energy alive.
Another early highlight was their latest release YDEK on the setlist, a raw, fast-paced track tackling themes of ADHD and mental health. It features great symphonies, and an addicting melody intertwined with serious themes. It’s one to watch out for in the coming future.
A standout song for me personally, Was God Birthed!? The title of Club Ruby’s latest EP and one of the songs in the album. This album surprisingly has a game companion on Steam.
This isn’t the first time I’ve seen a song/album released alongside a game as Adam Hattaway did the same thing with one of his tracks in his latest album High Horse this year.
The vocalist was seated during Was God Birthed, creating a conversational vibe, accompanied with sombre guitar riffs reminiscent of Daughter, setting a cinematic tone.
The track began with a serious mellow tone while the second half’s Pop infused drums and a cameo of their iconic swing flute symbolized freedom and joy. Closing with the haunting line, space is an endless cavity, and a playful bruhhh moment.
The centrepiece of their set was their signature anthem Dear Diary, a riotous Pop Punk track about heartbreak and accountability. Reminiscent of Olivia Rodrigo if she fronted a Punk band, the song had the crowd belting along to the infectious chorus. It leaned into an early-2000’s angst, delivering Paramore style vibes with a polished modern twist.
Ruby’s show-stopping solo on a high-energy Punk banger near the end of the set left the audience in awe. Balancing on a speaker, she held a stunning five-second-high note, silencing the crowd before earning thunderous applause.
By the time Club Ruby ended their set with a playful heart gesture to the crowd during Heartbreak, they had cemented themselves as a band to watch in the alt Punk scene.
As the lights dimmed and neon designs glowed on the walls, Gemini Effect took the stage.
From the first groovy guitar riff, the band transported the crowd into a sensory wonderland. Their blend of Dubstep, Grunge, and psychedelic Rock was as innovative as it was immersive.
Dubbing their music as Dub Grunge made from Punk nerds on acid, it was an immersive night of experimental music that fused the techy sounds of Radiohead and Punk Rock feel of Sex Pistols.
The opening track Babylon set the tone for the night with a combination of intricate guitar riffs, EDM beats, and hypnotic visuals. Neon lights flickered in sync with the music, creating a rave-like atmosphere that had the crowd bouncing.
By the time they launched into Monkey See, a reflective track with retro dance rhythms and Grunge-inspired lyrics, the energy in the room was electric.
The band’s social commentary was front and centre in Idea, a high-energy anthem about resisting societal conformity.
Turn off your news feed/ Get your opinions for free, were accompanied by stomping beats and swirling psychedelic visuals, amplifying the song’s message. The crowd’s enthusiasm reached a fever pitch as they stomped along, fully immersed in the moment.
Gemini Effect also showcased their softer side with tracks like Guns, a sombre protest song against gun violence. Played on a fluorescent-painted acoustic guitar, the song featured dreamy vocals and synthy modulations that lent it a haunting beauty.
Contrasting this was the high-energy track Up, which brought the crowd back to life with its pulsating rhythm and heart-thumping beats.
The band’s ability to experiment with genres was evident throughout the set.
Tracks like Tear Down, their high-octane encore, combined Reggae-inspired beats with Punk aggression, creating a dynamic soundscape that kept the crowd hooked.
The guitarist’s interaction with the audience, bending down and shredding riffs inches from their faces, added a visceral thrill to the performance.
What set Gemini Effect apart was their attention to the overall experience.
Backlit by dim neon lights, the band projected a live feed of their performance on the walls, filtered through trippy black-and-white effects that gave the show a vintage-meets-psychedelic vibe.
At one point, the guitarist used a drum stick to create screeching, experimental sounds, further enhancing the performance’s avant-garde feel.
Both Club Ruby and Gemini Effect delivered unforgettable performances, each leaving their mark in distinct ways. Club Ruby’s heartfelt Punk anthems and infectious energy made them instant crowd favourites, while Gemini Effect’s experimental artistry turned the venue into a living, breathing work of art.
If last night was any indication, these two bands are not just performers, they’re storytellers, innovators, and creators of immersive experiences.
Whether you’re in the mood for angsty Pop Punk or trippy Dub-Grunge, make sure to catch them live. And don’t forget to check out Gemini Effect’s Hotwire Babylon and Club Ruby’s new tracks. These are bands on the rise, and you won’t want to miss what they do next.
Azrie Azizi
Photography by Leonie Moreland
The Gemini Effect
Club Ruby
