Hello and welcome back to the Manx Sound Exchange!

There was a time, way back when, with gigs were being cancelled left, right and centre and the future of live music on the island looked very uncertain indeed.

How lucky are we, then, that we have enjoyed a summer packed full of live music when across the water, listening to a band playing live in a pub or a venue is something that people can only dream about.

Last weekend, virtually every local band was out and about, playing at one of the many multi-band days in Castletown, Port Erin, Douglas or Laxey and the Villa had the first run of concerts since the lockdown began, with thousands packing in to see DC/AC and Pigs on the Wing.

It’s on the back of this that the Manx Sound Exchange is able to return, bringing news of up-coming gigs, new releases and other exciting bits of news about the local music scene.

And we’ll begin with reporting on a day’s worth of music of music which took place in Compton Vaults last weekend.

Landlord and all-round top guy Juan Christian organised ’Heavy Mental Health 2’, which featured several bands, including Half Naked Headline, Clown Calls For War, Slow Decay, the resurgent Porn Monkey, Mad Daddy and a load of solo acts, such as Al Bell, Ash Ashenafi, Chris Flood and more.

All told, the event managed to raise something in the region of £1,300 for local mental health charities.

Raising money for such causes is clearly close to Juan’s heart and he gave his thanks to all the bands who took part in the event, giving their time up for free.

’I just hope that events like this encourage people to come forward and open up to the difficulties in their lives,’ said Juan.

’I just hope it makes a difference to the life of someone somewhere.

’A rough tally of money collected on the day is around £1,300, with Isle Listen receiving the biggest share to help with their youth program.

’It will help pay for a full course of cognitive behavioral therapy and art therapy for a young person suffering from anxiety or depression

’The remaining will be donated to REACH and Motiv8.’

We are, unfortunately, counting down the days until Compton Vaults closes its doors, which will leave a huge hole in the island’s live music scene, and one that will prove difficult to fill.

Until that sad day happens, make sure you get down to the Vaults and check out the music there this weekend.

Friday will feature a bone-shaking heavy night from the awesome tech metal heavyweights Aeons supporting the mighty Bruises.

On Saturday night, there is the last chance to see the Pearl Jam cover band Lost Dogs, featuring singer John Cleator proving there is more to his talents than walloping a drum kit.

Both nights are free and kick off from 9pm.

There is also the final Compton Vaults open mic taking place on Sunday, between 1pm and 8pm.