GIG REVIEW: Admiral Fallow at The Queen's Hall 13.08.2013

Slots at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe can be hard to come by, and with venues constantly in use they can also be quite tight, and so given only a 2-hour slot to put on a gig, Admiral Fallow put on a showcase of their own music and talent, no supports, just one full Fallow set. And we're all very glad they did.

"Gig-going connoisseurs amongst you will notice there was no support tonight.", Admiral Fallow's lead singer Louis Abbott notes to the audience mid-set, "That's because we want to play a long time." Rapturous cheer follows this remark and Louis goes on to make a Lionel Ritchie joke, showing that he can still banter with the best of them on the Scottish music circuit. In fact, if you had walked into this gig at a few points you would have been forgiven for thinking it was a comedy show, with the audience participation levels high and lots of laughter. 

But this was very much a music gig and the crowd in attendance were treated to 90 minutes of the best of Admiral Fallow. The band deftly move between their debut and sophomore albums, never missing a beat and proving that they are a band with many strengths. A few of the older tracks have received a little makeover ("so we don't hate them when we have to play them together" Louis notes), in particular 'These Barren Years' which has been given a much slower take that builds to a massive finish. It's hard not be awed when you see a band completely turn a song around and give it a whole new life, just by rewriting how they perform it live. Another such track which gets some new treatment is 'Bomb Through the Town', performed by only Louis, Sarah Hayes and a string quartet. The most wonderful thing about this hauntingly beautiful rendition was you could hear a pin drop in the crowd, the band had their complete attention and adoration. It was a joy to be part of such a thing.

In addition to the older tracks receiving a new lease of life, we also got a small window into the what's next from the band. Playing a never before heard, and not yet named (for the night it was called Queen's Hall Posse, a reference to the continued audition participation throughout. Though I wish it had been called 'Steeeeeeeeeve!', the name given to an as-yet unnamed song when Frightened Rabbit played the same venue a few years back.), we get to see a band that continues to grow and develop, this song is definitely an advancement and a new Fallow but there are also very familiar traits of the band on show. I, for one, am certainly interested in hearing much more where this came from, the song itself has anthemic qualities and will surely be a sing-along hit in years to come. The introduction of the new song also lead to the night's longest running joke; "Pick your favourite current chart hit..."

Other highlights of this gig were the rapturous response to 'Squealing Pigs' (our reward for being so quiet during the new song), the dancing reaching all the way to the back of the room and up into the top decks during hits like 'Beetle in the Box' and 'The Paper Trench' and the well-deserved encore that featured the simply beautiful 'Four Bulbs' performed to an enraptured and completely silent crowd followed by the wonderful 'The Way You Were Raised' to send us off into the night. In fact, the entire set was peppered with hits and highlights that it's hard to pick just a few. And whilst the crowd didn't quite use their voices to sing-along as much as I'd like at a gig, they certainly gave the band the attention they deserved and the band gave us so much to enjoy. The banter is particularly strong, reminding me why going to an Admiral Fallow gig is much more than just a music performance. And they have so much talent that they are bound to follow in the footsteps of Frightened Rabbit, Scotland's current indie darlings. 

The Queen's Hall is one of the best venues in Scotland and, on this Tuesday night, it was host to one of the best gigs of the year, and a performance by Admiral Fallow that those who were lucky enough to be there will be talking about for a long time to come. 

GIG REVIEW: Kid Canaveral at Liquid Room 10.08.2013

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is well underway by the 10th, and on this Saturday there were music gigs by no less than Withered Hand (with support from Second Hand Marching Band), Sparrow & The Workshop and Art Brut. In all honesty I did spread my requests around and would have happily attended all those gigs (and paid for them), but it came to be that I found myself in the Liquid Room Annexe for a special Kid Canaveral show.

The Liquid Room Annexe reminded me of those pre-fabricated classrooms from my school days, except in this one noise was permitted, very loud noise. And how they got the capacity 300 people in there, I have no idea but it made for one hot, sweaty night. Unfortunately there was some lost sound in the dead spaces of the annexe in the corridors you walk through to get to the stage area and it was extremely close quarters due to the capacity, but other than that for a pre-fabricated venue added on for the Fringe month, it was an alright venue. It was a shame to find the gig was there though as The Liquid Room itself has some of the best sound on the circuit. 

First up on the night were the boys from Campfires in Winter, who sure do get around. This was my third seeing them in a different venue in the last three months and I stand by all previous statements that they are a band to watch, who've got a bright future ahead of them. The venue's dead spaces did rob them of some of their loud, epic rock so it didn't sound quite as amazing as the King Tut's show had but it was still a well-oiled performance from a young band on their way up. I am sure I'll see them around again and have more pleasant words to say, especially as their new September EP gets ever closer.

Next up was Ballboy, their set was more sedate than the epic Campfires rock show but an equally good warm up for the crowd. Somewhat Plimptons-esque the older guard of the crowd are well involved throughout the set and the front few rows is having a blast. My highlight of the set was 'Something's Going to Happen', which plays to all the bands' strengths and is well received by the now-packed out crowd. Near the end of the set the band play a quieter tune, pointing out to the crowd that the first part of the song starts with a "Shhhhhhh!". This is because this gig was plagued by a sadly typical Saturday night crowd, one where many people would talk right through the acts. It's so disappointing how often this happens and it ruined much of my enjoyment of Ballboy. 

"Thanks for coming, we knew you had a lot of other choices tonight.", David MacGregor of Kid Canaveral states to the sold out room mid-set. With many a gig and lots of other options at the Fringe, you can really tell how grateful the band are that so many people turned out for their show. And they give us a truly wonderful and memorable performance to make sure we don't question our choice at all by the end of the evening. The band perform an effortless live show build on the strength of their second album, with some older hits holding up the middle. Things got particularly special when the Cairn String Quartet joined the band on stage, for such beautiful tracks as 'Without a Backing Track' and 'So Sad, So Young'. The latter was once again plagued by the talkers and KC made no qualms about telling them to shut it throughout the set. When you go to a Kid Canaveral gig as press, it can sometimes be hard not to get swept up in the party atmosphere, where everyone is having a dance (KC are one of those bands who don't need to tell you it's a dance song, because their entire set contains them) and a good time, and remember you need to actually take notes and write about this later. You would have been hard-pressed to find someone in the crowd not singing and dancing along to hit single 'You Only Went Out To Get Drunk Last Night' and 'Good Morning', whilst the sophomore album tracks are wonderfully received, if with a little less dancing. Ending the set on the beautiful 'A Compromise', Kid Canaveral prove that they are a band best experienced live and that they are growing and developing from their early beginnings into a force to be reckoned with on the Scottish music scene.

Whilst this gig suffered from many talkers in the crowd, the lineup and performances made it a brilliant gig for a Saturday night. There were many other choices that night, but this one was dance central and everyone went home very happy that they chose to spend their evening in the pre-fabricated venue off the Cowgate.

SINGLE REVIEW: Cheen - Dante

It is, or should be, a well-known fact around these parts that when Andy Monaghan (of Frightened Rabbit fame) is mentioned, my ears immediately perk up. Yes, sad but true. 

And to that end, I got an email recently for the fine folks of Dante, who have been working with Andy on their debut album due out in the autumn. As an album sampler the band have released the track 'Cheen', 3-minutes of alt-folk-rock fusion that is ear candy for all.

The track builds on the band's debut EP, featuring a sound that is more grand and a sign of things to come. As an out-and-out fan of folk in all forms, I was bopping along from the first listen and can report that the track has brilliant replay-ability. It's been on repeat a few times in the last few weeks whilst I have neglected this poor blog. If you're looking for a song that you can bop along to, as well as connect with on an emotional level then you'll find it right here. Certainly for a choice as an album sampler, the band know what they're doing.

I certainly cannot wait to hear more from these guys, and if Brazil Exists is anything to go by then Andy sure knows how to pick bands with bright futures ahead of them.

You can listen to, and download at your price, Cheen below.

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

EP REVIEW: We Know Not What We Do - Shooting Stansfield

Edinburgh-based 4-piece Shooting Stansfield have been busy recently and are about to hit the scene in a big way with their new EP 'We Know Not What We Do'. 

The 5-track player showcases the band's unique talent for creating melodic, meaningful songs. Drawing on influences from fellow Scottish talent such as Frightened Rabbit and Admiral Fallow, they've managed to create something that'll surely be a hit amongst indie folk fans and industry insiders alike. 

Infectious guitars, strong lyrics and rich layers are littered throughout this EP. The 5 tracks each demand, and stand up to, replay and will no doubt be summer sing-along tunes. The rich melodic sounds show a great talent for making music that will please your audience and stay with them. The stories of the end of the youth make the EP incredibly relatable to their target audience and their talent at putting these stories together through meaningful lyrics, and rich, layered melodies puts them on the very brink of making it big, following those bands who they've drawn their influences from. 

The EP is strong from start to finish, with each track shining as you listen through. However a particular highlight is the first single, 'Greater or Lesser', which showcases the band's ability to masterfully layer all the elements of a strong indie folk track, and has some of the best lyrics on EP. It is rousing, big track with a big early impact on the player and will definitely make a brilliant standalone single for the EP. And it is followed by 'Sign of the Times' which is a folk hit in the making, that means those same bands who have influenced Shooting Stansfield had better watch their backs because they have all it takes to go big.  

'We Know Not What We Do' will be released on June 7th via download and physical CD. It can be purchased via Bandcamp.

The band will be launching the EP at Sneaky Pete's in Edinburgh on the same day as the release. It all starts at 7pm, with support from Titus Pullo and Waterday. All details can be found here.

GIG PREVIEW: Haddowfest Presents...Meursault and friends

After the critical and popular success of their third album 'Something for the Weakened' last year, Meursault make a return with a special gig in Edinburgh.

Haddowfest, the single day music festival in Edinburgh, is branching out in the monthly club night market and providing the capital with a new night of great music. The inaugural 'Haddowfest Presents....' gig is on April 26th at The Liquid Room. 

The night will be hosted by Radio 1's Ally McCrae, with Meursault taking the headline slot. The support acts were hand picked by Neil Pennycook and co., and will be Withered Hand (performing solo) and Lomond Campbell & River of Slime (of Edinburgh's Found). Certainly a night with some of Scotland's best.

Tickets are a mere £10 (plus booking fee) via Ticketweb and Tickets Scotland. 

'Haddowfest Presents' will continue to showcase some of Scotland's best upcoming talents and special guests in the coming months and if you're in the capital then it looks well worth checking out. 

GIG REVIEW - A Quiet Night In mini take-over festival at The Art School

Building on the success of other multiple venue events (such as the excellent Stag & Dagger), A Quiet Night In - mini take-over festival took place on Saturday and showcased some of the best alternate acts that Scotland has to offer. It also did so in venues all within a 5 minute walk of my flat, so that gets my vote.

As a lazy blogger, and person in general, and having weighed up the line-up I chose to stick my night out at The Art School. I walk past this place every day but it was my first time checking it out, nice and cosy confines. 

First up were Aberdeen's The Little Kicks, who played to a mostly quiet room but their indie pop tunes were well received by those in attendance. The two songs they played from their forthcoming album, due out later this year, were particularly promising. Ending on a little bit of self-promotion, they go out on a high note with 'Call of Youth', which is available for free via Bandcamp.

Next up The Art School was treated to an alternate rock show from Glasgow's Campfires in Winter.  With an adoring crowd filling out the room, the band put on a rousing show and bring the previously very quiet room to life. New single 'White Lights' goes down a particular treat and we can be sure there's a lot more to come from these guys in the future. 

It was then the turn of Edinburgh's Capitals, not to be confused with the hockey team of the same name. With some alcohol having flowed and the band providing the right pulsing beats, The Art School was for a short time turned into a dance floor and there were many happy people during this set. Bringing a more electronic flavour to the evening Capitals provide a strong view of the genre and leave the room with brilliant aurora of goodness as they depart.

Topping off the evening were Song of Return, a Glasgow band who have been on the rise and rise in the past year. The packed out room is treated to an extremely polished show from a band with dark and intense sounds, the sky is clearly not the limit for them. With something going at every level, from unsettling vocals to the quiet build-ups of bass and drums all put on an electronic backdrop and it's got a particularly powerful effect in live performance. They definitely left their mark on Glasgow last night.

Even though, I only attended one venue having heard from bands and punters who went around the others it's clear that A Quiet Night In - mini festival take-over was a brilliant success and I look forward to more in the future.