GIG REVIEW: Fake Major, Campfires in Winter, Kevin Harper at King Tut's Summer Nights 29.07.2013

On a Monday night in Glasgow when the indie rock heroes of my teens (We Are Scientists) were also in town, I once again took a trip to King Tut's Wah Wah Hut for a dose of Summer Nights and the best in new music.

First up on the night was former Little Eskimos frontman, Kevin Harper. Harper presents a fresh take on the one man and his guitar with the addition of his laptop and some very strong vocals. Playing mostly songs from his solo album, with a few Little Eskimos tracks and one very interesting The Pixies cover, the setlist aptly shows his range and talent. Harper reminds me very much of Australia's Ben Lee, both in his vocals and his lyrics. His set is a fresh and change of pace from the Americana flooded acoustic field and he knows how to work a crowd despite not even being sure his set work. Harper is certainly someone to keep an eye on.

It was then time for Campfires in Winter to bring their Scottish rock masterclass to Tut's, and they do so with a large crowd in attendance. The band put on a very energetic show that flows from the crowd to the stage and back again, resulting in lots of noise and bouncing around on both sides. There's riffs aplenty, including from a new track never before been played live that goes down an absolute treat. Campfires are already an accomplished live outfit, going from strength to strength and shredding a lot of guitars in the process. The reception from the crowd proves that they are steadily gaining a loyal fanbase, and if the reaction to finale 'White Lights' is anything to go by then they are almost certainly going onto bigger and better things this year. The finale is loud, proud and a statement of true rock that leaves everyone in the room suitably impressed. The Campfires are one of the strongest bands on the circuit right now and deserve your attention.

Tonight's headline set comes smack bang right in the middle of the festival run for Fake Major and it represents their first full band headline where they actually had the opportunity to sound check, what a novelty. Typically then, there is a few technical issues before the set can begin but the band manage to silence the packed out Tut's with their opener of 'Cotton & Ink'. It's a joy to behold to watch a band render a crowd silent, especially on their first track of the night but that's the absolute power this band have already in their first year of existence. During the set, Richard Ferguson and David McGinty look to almost be performing as one solid unit as their mics as just the right distance apart to present the exact image of a four-armed singer-songwriter that the band describe themselves as. With years as Endor behind them and already a good block of shows as FM, this band are already accomplished live and have the sound for bigger rooms. EP tracks like 'Little Researcher' and 'Love in the Mundane' are very well received, and the band put on anything but a mundane live show joking with the crowd in-between tracks on all things from wanting to play the show for the one person who may not have heard them before (be it a guy, or a woman with a really deep voice), Jarv's colourblindness, and the fact they could easily teach midnight guest Pronto Mama their tunes as "it's only two chords". Many laughs are had by all. The new take on Endor song 'Chapel Doors' is at its best at this show and the crowd adores it, but the highlight of the night for me has to be the two as-yet unreleased Fake Major tracks including never before heard 'Seventeen' as the penultimate track. Both songs prove there is incredible life left yet in this band, they going to be going places, and I have no shame in saying they are absolutely my favourite band of the moment. The set ends on an incredible high with 'Fiction' and everyone is sorry to see them go, but it surely won't be long before they are gracing many more venues with their presence. 

After recovering from that great show I was able to stick around to see the midnight guests Pronto Mama, who brought their loud and proud indie rock show to Tut's bar and they did so with aplomb. It was a brilliant show that caught the attention of the majority in the bar and they've got a lot to get us excited about including by playing new tracks to tease us. 

All in all, this was a spectacular Monday evening with some of the best Scottish music. It was an easy decision in the end to choose this gig because I knew that it'd be one of the best shows of the year. My only disappointment of the night was that there was no Susie-sized t-shirts, but I'll get one in time.

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.  

Record Store Day 2013

Limited releases, live performances and the love of music saw the people of Glasgow come out on en masse to support Record Store Day on Saturday. 

I started early and was queueing at Monorail Music by 8am, where the line was suitably long and ever-increasing as we neared opening time. I heard from a friend as they joined the line 15 minutes or so later that the line at LoveMusic was already 150 deep and both stores would have queues throughout the day as music lovers looked to score their vinyl.

Mono kept all updated with the releases that they had sold out of via Twitter and blackboard in store, very useful for those in line or thinking of joining. I was lucky enough to pick up all three Frightened Rabbit related releases that came out on the day, whilst friends picked up Biffy Clyro, Chvrches and more. The staff at the stores deserve all the respect and praise for providing impeccable service and keeping cool heads on such a crazy day.

Having battered my wallet with the vinyl purchases in the morning I spent my afternoon in the very cozy confines of LoveMusic watching a few performances. When I arrived just after half 2 there was still a queue for buying RSD releases, as well as a packed out store watching the opening act Young Aviators. I couldn't hear or see enough to provide you a review but they were certainly popular.

Hoping to get myself in the store for a few performances I was aiming to catch afterwards meant that I got to witness the performance of Viking Galaxy. I must admit that I was completely unaware of what I was about to see and hear but was pleasantly surprised and awed by their rock 'n' roll theatre. This was definitely more a performance as opposed to a live set and the crowd was eating it up. If you're looking for keytar solos and some heavy, happy power metal then you should certainly give these guys a listen. I, for one, am glad I arrived early and the sets were running late because I didn't know I needed viking power metal in my life until that day.

Following the theatre of the Vikings was 2/5ths of bloggers favourites French Wives, who spent a good deal of set joking about how they used to be relevant. Happily they did note that they have been recording a new album and we were treated to some new tracks so we'll be seeing much more of them again soon. And they ended their set on their hit single, Halloween, which is 5 and a half minutes of perfect indie pop for everyone. I look forward to their return to the scene.

Having already played Dundee and Edinburgh on the day Fake Major packed out LoveMusic as the hype around them continues to build. Having already given their debut EP 'Have Plenty of Fun' a glowing review, I was very excited to see them live and they did not disappoint. My press pack with the EP notes how the truest form of the band is somewhere in between on record and live and I can see why as the live performance is something quite special in itself, and the music comes to life around the delicate blending of the dual vocals. We were also treated some non-EP tracks that showed great depth and excited me for their future. The band's debut EP is now available in all good record stores and I'd suggest you purchase it, as well as making sure you see them in live format to experience all they have to offer.

The cozy confines of LoveMusic got considerably cosier as Woodenbox took to the 'stage' bringing an infusion of Americana to an already warm day. With their new album available for the day only in store, the band performed a set that gave us all a tease of what to expect, which from the sounds of it will be a beautifully layered piece with melodical quirks and intricacies. An always energetic live band they got the already-rowdy crowd going and made an impact on the day.

I didn't stick around for the later performances of Three Blind Wolves, Washington Irving and Glasvegas but going by the quality of the day I don't doubt they were brilliant and that the store was ever anything but full.

Remember music fans, whilst Record Store Day is always fun and exciting and special, your local independent record store days are there on all other days too so please continue to support them throughout the year and keep the music alive.

UPCOMING EVENTS/PREVIEW - Brew at the Bog 2013

Returning for its second year, Brew at the Bog festival will bring new music and new beer to Bogbain Farm in Inverness on Saturday 4th May. The festival showcases the best in homegrown Scottish talent combined with craft beer from the controversial brewery in an award-winning setting. 

This year's lineup has many notable bands/performers worth checking out. Here are my picks:

Shambles Miller - You won't find many other acts who can offer the same brilliant witty reparté and folk-pop tunes like Shambles does. It'll no doubt be one of the most memorable performances of the festival.

Michael Cassidy - Another solo performer Paisley's Michael Cassidy is a singer-songerwriter who offers dreamy tunes that will make your hairs stand on end. Having received great praise in the last year, he's certainly one to watch.



Trapped in Kansas - One of my favourite Glasgow bands for many years, Trapped in Kansas are a math-pop band whose sounds can make a special impact on the listener. The lyrical and sonic talent of this band suggests they should be much bigger than they are.



Fake Major - Hot off the release of their debut EP Fake Major will be gracing Bogbain Farm with their stunning arrangements and live show. They're anything but another indie-folk band and will not be a hidden gem for long.



Olympic Swimmers - Another longtime favourite of mine, their folk-filled power pop is taking Glasgow indie to new levels. They have a supreme talent for writing intense, powerful music that stays with the listener.


The full lineup is as follows:
Olympic Swimmers, Three Blind Wolves, Randolph’s Leap, Discopolis, Homework, Found, Miaoux Miaoux, United Fruit, Chris Devotion & The Expectations, The Little Kicks, Cherri Fosphate, The Stagger Rats, Fatherson, Kitty the Lion, Fake Major, Trapped in Kansas, The Whiskys, This Silent Forest, The Winter Tradition, James MacKenzie, JP Jones, Michael Cassidy, Donald MacDonald and the Islands, Adam Holmes and the Embers, Seznec Brothers, Sion Russell Jones, Jonathan Powell, Davey Horne, Tomos Lewis, Sienna, Bronagh & the Boys, Poor Things, Seven Summits, Shambles Millers, Verse Metrics, Ashley & the Cosmonauts, Sharfla.

Tickets are £30 (with camping)/£20 (without camping) and are currently available online as well as at BrewDog bars.

Full details are at brewatthebog.com.

REVIEW - Have Plenty of Fun - Fake Major

From the ashes of Endor (the Glasgow band, not the Star Wars planet), rises Fake Major and their debut EP. Made up of David McGinty and Richard Ferguson, this latest project launched in early February and has been steadily making waves in the Scottish scene. 'Have Plenty of Fun' is a 4-track player that is surely going to see them rise further.

The opening track is 'Little Researcher', which was released as the band launched and came with a brilliant music video (you can watch below). This track works as an excellent first taster of this new project and it's certainly pleasing but it's not the best that this EP has to offer.

The strongest songs on EP are the two middle tracks, 'Fiction' and 'Cotton and Ink', both of which are lyrically stunning and have the beautifully arranged, and mastered, layers of sound to match. They may be indie pop tunes but they pack a punch and it is these tracks specifically that I believe are give the best impression of what we can come to expect from Fake Major in the future. 'Cotton and Ink' is one of the best tracks I've heard this year so far, the lyrics shine through as the music becomes much more of a backdrop but as the track builds to its close, we are treated to layers of beautifully sonic guitars, pianos, drums and a violin and lyrics you'll be singing back in no time.

The closer 'Love in the Mundane' has some of my favourite lyrics on the EP and could certainly be a hit indie pop single. It is a toe-tapping folk tune but with the elements that maje Fake Major stand out, making it much more than just another song from another Glasgow indie-folk band. It is anything but mundane.

'Have Plenty of Fun' is a masterful debut EP, showing lots of promise and already establishes Fake Major as a band to watch out for. With this release they are not likely to stay a hidden gem for long.

'Have Plenty of Fun' will be released by Comets and Cartwheels, physically on April 20th and digitally on May 1st.

Fake Major will be playing in-stores in Dundee (Groucho's), Edinburgh (Avalanche) and Glasgow (Love Music) on April 20th to celebrate the EP's release. And they will be performing as a full band, with members from We Were Promised Jetpacks, Bear Arms and other Glasgow bands joining the duo, at the Comets and Cartwheels showcase on May 31st at Govanhill Swimming Baths for Quickbeam's album launch.

Fake Major - Little Researcher from Comets And Cartwheels on Vimeo.