Over the Wall are back!

After nearly a year away from playing together as band, Ben Hillman and Gav Prentice returned as Over The Wall at the Oran Mor on Friday as part of West End Festival. This isn't a review as such, I did thinking about writing one for this gig but since all I've really got is that it was the gig of the year so far, I figured best leave it to others who could provide a bit better picture of it for you. However the above video of Thurso shows that  a long time away from playing as band hasn't hampered Over the Wall at all. The   performance was blinding, featured the band's signature banter and the packed crowd went away suitably impressed, many who seemed as happy about the band's return as I was.

Here's to more performances like this in 2013. And, of course, more Over the Wall. 

GIG REVIEW: West End Festival all-dayer at Oran Mor 23.06.2013

Having previously only been able to live vicariously through others who'd been to the West End Festival All-Dayer in past years, the fact that this year's fell on my birthday made my first experience of it all the better. The lineup was typically brilliant and it was a day full of the best of the Scottish music. 

Starting my day off properly in The Venue, I was able to catch the end of Pronto Mama's set. Playing an original form of indie-rock, with a masterful balance of their vocals they manage to open proceedings with a strong performance. The day begins as it means to go on, going from one great performance to another, split between The Venue downstairs and The Auditorium upstairs. 

Moving to The Auditorium, I was able to see Campfires in Winter put on a masterclass in Scottish rock. One of the most consistent live bands on the scene right now, they give everyone upstairs a true show of talent with their own brand of brilliant rock. Teasing a new EP due in September, the band give us a taster of what is to come as well giving someone who'd travelled all the way from Germany a dedication on their current single, White Lights, which is a spectacular track and the highlight of the set. For one of their earlier sets, the Campfires have garnered themselves a strong audience and its clear to see why. 

Deciding to stay put upstairs proved to be an excellent decision as Adam Stafford was up next. Stafford is the King of the one man show, showcasing a sheer talent in vocals, loops and music, as a whole. And let's not forget he's got some of the best dance moves on the circuit, which are worth watching his set for alone. Less than a month away from an album launch (which will be on July 15th at The Glad Cafe), we are treated to the newest single 'Galvanise' and it's another stunning track from an artist who is at the top of his game. The album sadly will not be called the title that Stafford teased us with on Sunday (Tit-Wanks That I've Known and Loved, if you were wondering (it is called Imaginary Walls Collapse)), but this once again proved that his banter is up there with the best of them and balances out the intensity of his musical performance. If you haven't been able to catch Adam Stafford yet, I highly recommend that you do.

Making a flying visit to The Venue, it was time for Washington Irving to take the stage. Already having a strong year following the release of their album Palomides Volume I, they bring a large and warm crowd into the confines of the downstairs venue. Their live show is very strong and their indie-folk certainly appeals to masses, reminiscent of Frightened Rabbit and Admiral Fallow. The early evening performance gets the crowd bopping and suggests they can only go from strength to strength here and, with Palomides Volume II due later in the year, they've got surely even bigger things coming their way.

With that I make my final move of the day and settle in at The Auditorium for, without doubt, one of the strongest double bills you could be offered today. It is Meursault who take the first slot, and absolutely pack out the room. Having not seen them for a few years I was amazed to see how far they've come and just how strong their performance has become. It is a mind-blowing show, moving from highlight to highlight, though my own personal one is definitely 'Dull Spark', from their SAY award shortlisted album 'Something for the Weakened'. The crowd continues to show them the love and warmth they absolutely deserve and it's clear that we've just seen one of the best bands in the country put on a simply powerful performance that none of us will be forgetting any time soon. 

The band that had the task of closing out this wonderful day of Scottish music were none more than The Twilight Sad playing a stripped back set. There were a few of us who were slightly disappointed that was not going to be an amped up performance but that was quickly forgotten as the set began. The stripped back Sad are extremely powerful, in a totally different way from the electric performance, and it's enough to lead you to be taken aback slightly, just by the music alone. The set is made up of more earlier tracks than newer than I expected but is definitely a strength, as James Graham notes that he'd been told recently they had been performing as a band for ten years before the band play us a special version of Cold Days From The Birdhouse, the song he believes got them this far. It is hauntingly beautiful. James also manages to pay tribute to RM Hubbert and his recent SAY award win, in his own brilliant way ("Bastard!"), and gives a shoutout to Adam Stafford and his cover of Walking for Two Hours, showing just how inter-connected and friendly the Scottish scene is. All the bands love to support each other and this day has shown this better than most. 

I could hardly have asked for a better birthday present than the gift of all this brilliant live Scottish music from bands I adore in a suitably wonderful venue, with a lot of friendly faces in the crowd. This may have been my first West End Festival All-Dayer but it's definitely not the last. I am looking forward to next year already. 

GIG REVIEW: Slow Club & French Wives at Britannia Panopticon 18.06.2012

Having already been to a gig in a disused swimming pool this year for a venue to really my attention it'd have to be a bit special and that's exactly what the Britannia Panopticon is. Situated on Glasgow's Trongate the Panopticon is the world's oldest surviving music hall and the special Lumia Live sessions gig was the first music event of its kind in the venue since it was rediscovered at the turn of millenium. This could just be the beginning of a beautiful thing.

Photo by Warren Media

The openers on the night were Glasgow's French Wives, who are slowly coming back onto the scene after having busily been writing a new album recently, and their return is greatly welcomed as they're extremely talented. Noted as fans of the Panopticon they're as stoked as all in attendance to be at the venue and their soft indie-pop sits very well in the surroundings. We are treated to one of the new tracks that the band have been working on and getting to experience it with such a quiet audience in a historic setting makes it sound even better. The future is definitely looking bright for these guys and the hit single 'Halloween' ends their short set on a wonderful note.

Photo by Warren Media

Following the local openers the night's headliners are Sheffield's Slow Club, who treat the lucky crowd in attendance to a set of old favourites and new never before heard tracks from their forthcoming album. This special acoustic set takes music back to its bare bones and shows the sheer talent of Rebecca Taylor and Charles Watson. Highlights from their forthcoming Grammy Award winning new album include tentatively titled 'Fucking Feelings' and the banter is top notch, ranging from childhood photographs to Liberace. It's an incredible show made more special by the venue and there's no doubt that this band will continue to deliver incredible music and powerful performances. 

This is a gig I won't be forgetting in a hurry, the special setting and the incredible performances made for a truly wonderful evening. And a free bar certainly only added to that.  If you get the chance to go to a Nokia Lumia Live event in your city then I wholeheartedly advise that you take it as you'll be treated to something that'll give you a whole new appreciation of music as well as historic venues.

SINGLE REVIEW: Deadpool - Shambles Miller

With a release announcement for the new generation by Vine, the new single by Shambles Miller immediately caught my attention. And it doesn't let down either.

The 2-track single features title track 'Deadpool' and spoken word track 'My Common Sense is Tingling', both which show Shambles' typical genius but in massively different ways. 'Deadpool' is the musically comic fare that we all expect from Miller but it's got a lot of heart too. If you ever need a song about comic book characters that manages to tread the line of being typically miserable Scottish music but can make you smile at the same time then 'Deadpool' does all this in a spectacular way. 

The b-side spoken word track is a stand against the fat cats, and a much more eloquent speech than many politicians can manage. It's a strong statement, but with the Shambles brand of humour too. A very worthy b-side that makes you respect the man behind the music even more than you did before.

You can buy 'Deadpool', in physical form complete with a comic by Neil Slorance (or just plain digital form), via Bandcamp. And you can follow Shambles on Twitter and Tumblr.

GIG REVIEW: Shambles Miller at The Roxy 171 07.06.2013

Another basement venue was the host to another great Glasgow gig on Friday as The Roxy 171 played host to an acoustic showcase with a headline set from Shambles Miller.

Playing a set of his greatest hits, along with a few covers, the performance all those at the Roxy got to see was mesmerising. The covers of 'Hey Ya' and 'Remix to Ignition' turn the room into a mass party, whilst Shambles own material shows his genuine talent and ability to reach a crowd almost immediately. Having seen him almost steal the show as a support act previously, it's brilliant to see such a strong headline set and such an appreciative crowd. 

Shambles has an innate ability to get the crowd on side early, and for good, and this was definitely on show on Friday evening with his perfect balance of music and comedy. There's even an early banterful moment where he mentions after a song that he forgot some words due to some very enthusiastic crowd members who were singing along to his music, a jump to the next level for any musician and well deserved too. The crowd connection is immediate and it's a true joy to watch an artist who can practically befriend an entire crowd in mere moments. For those who have not yet seen Shambles Miller live, I can only imagine it must be almost impossible to dislike him upon doing so, especially since his self indulgent headline banter was surrounding shipyards. 

Headline performances are rarely so spellbinding and it is clear that the Roxy was the place to be on Friday night. 

GIG REVIEW: The Second Hand Marching Band at Gibson Street Gala 02/06/2013

I never intended on writing this when I left my flat to enjoy the sunshine and festivities at the Gibson Street Gala but having enjoyed myself so much, particularly at what I'm about to review, I decided to share.

The Second Hand Marching Band have been away for quite a while, and I haven't seen them in even longer, so this performance marked their return to the live scene (though many members have being playing in bands elsewhere) in the build up to the release of their first album. Having started out at 22 members, and usually playing with at least 16 these days , the band were 11-strong out on the street in the Sunday sunshine treating a fairly well established crowd to their greatest hits. With multi-talented members, and many layers throughout their songs, this band really show what Glasgow has to offer in terms of musical talent. Working their way through many dance numbers, and founding member Peter Liddle even finding his way into the crowd at one point, they leave the crowd with a warm and happy feeling on this beautiful day. 

I certainly hope I won't be waiting nearly as long between next seeing SHMB, they bring absolute happiness and joy to wherever they play and deserve to be more celebrated than they currently are, regardless of whether it's taken 4 years to finally get their first album done. We forgive you guys and we hope the album proves to be a big hit.

GIG REVIEW: Woodenbox 'End Game' Launch at The Grand Ole Opry 23.05.2013

Standing outside Glasgow’s Grand Ole Opry one feels as if you might have stepped back in time, it has all the fittings of an old seaside resort venue but on a main road in Glasgow. And once you get inside, you’re treated to a good dose of Americana and some nice cheap drinks. It is, without doubt, the right choice to set the launch of Woodenbox’s sophmore album.

As a crowd begins to gather we begin to note the drum set being constructed in the middle of the floor and this proves to only be the beginning of a wonderfully strong opening set by Edinburgh’s The Horndog Brass Band. They manage to make quite an entrance and the performance right in the thick of it with the crowd is an absolute treat, they put on more of a show than a set as they ably move around the floor and, near the end, even into the crowd itself. Despite being based in Edinburgh and performing in Glasgow, Horndog bring a bit of New Orleans flavour to Scotland and this pleases me greatly and I’m not the only one. The crowd is on side and warmed up early, with a short set that fills the room with happiness.

It is the job of Sheffield’s Neil McSweeney and his band to keep the energy in the crowd up and build on Horndog’s brilliant opening. Masterfully layering a lot of elements into their set, they move between poppier tunes and those that are more earnest. The Americana infused music is smooth with heartfelt lyrics and makes a connection with the crowd throughout. Bringing some humour into the night, they tease the crowd by asking if we’re scared of the wood (that makes up the dancefloor in the centre of the room) and that’s why we’re not all closer to the stage. The banter does the trick and soon there’s a healthy crowd on the dancefloor, where the Horndogs had only earlier been playing themselves.

With the crowd amply warmed up and ready to get down, our headliners Woodenbox are warmly welcomed onto the stage after half past nine and they open big with new track ‘Roll For Me’. It is a strong start, their set is off to a winner and everyone in the room knows it. Formed in 2008 and with many shows behind them Woodenbox are now an incredibly accomplished live band that can deftly move between their old school hit tunes and the newer album material without missing a beat. Welcoming the full Horndog Brass Band onstage in the middle of the set for Life From Above, we are treated to a bigger and better show as the night winds down to its close but not without the big hit Twisted Mile getting the entire crowd jigging and singing along. Unsurprisingly the band are brought back on stage for a well deserved encore, noting that was it was unplanned and they’d already played their encore track. Regardless they pull something out that goes down just as well as the set before and leave the crowd suitably satisfied and impressed.

This Thursday night in Glasgow had all the right elements for a grand old time in the Grand Ole Opry. Woodenbox launched their second album in style and we all hope they’re here to stay and continue to treat us with such brilliant live stylings.

Also to published on Glasgow Podcart

GIG REVIEW: Quickbeam album launch at Govanhill Baths 31/05/2013

In the words of Comets and Cartwheels label runner, Paul Downie, "You have to do something different", and Friday night at the still-in-refurbishment Govanhill Baths was definitely different, and it was also a little bit special. 

Fake Major, performing as a full band with the addition of bass and drums, opened the label showcase. Despite the added sound, this is still a performance based around the dual vocals and lyrical genius of David McGinty and Richard Ferguson. Noting that this was their first time performing in a swimming pool, they manage to humour the crowd and celebrate the occasion. Performing a set based majorly around their first EP, 'Have Plenty of Fun', their sound carries through the cavernous space and reaches the already established crowd who fill out the room from the deep end right to the bar (provided by BrewDog) located in the shallow end and the set shows the talent and promise that this young band, formed out of the embers of Endor, have in spades. Not everyone can say they've heard some of their favourite tracks of the year in a disused swimming pool but, having been able to witness this Fake Major set, I happily can. I certainly can't wait to watch this band perform many times over.

Before the headline band take to the stage, we are treated to a cinematic theatrical performance based on images, music and shadow. It is quite spellbinding and acts as a beautiful build-up to what we are about to experience. 

Welcomed very warmly onto the stage at the deep end, Quickbeam inform us that they will be performing their entire debut album in order for us on this very special night and, if you didn't believe you were in a swimming pool before then the blue lighting gave the full effect. The performance comes complete with a film background that only adds to the already deeply layered tracks. It is an incredibly immersive show that has the ability to hold a packed out audience in rapture, they've certainly seen nothing like this before. The crowd immediately react to 'Immersed', the first track that was previewed from the album a few months ago, and the band react in kind with a stunning performance of this track bringing it absolutely to life. Continuing right through the album, we get to see all sides of the band and each song offers something new to appreciate as you watch the band perform. It is also definitely one of those shows where you take hold of your loved ones or those close to you and just appreciate life and all you've got, that a band have that power is something to behold. There's a well deserved, but ultimately planned, encore to the end the night before the band as a whole take a bow in front of their very satisfied audience. 

This is a night that all who attended will certainly remember for a long time to come and was the perfect way for Govanhill Baths to open their new performance venue, as well as a brilliant showcase of the two inaugural artists on the Comets and Cartwheels label. It is clear that is just the beginning for everyone involved and there can only be bigger, better, and certainly more different things on the way.