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.
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