GIG REVIEW: Blood Relatives Album Launch 26.10.2013

The blog took a little holiday recently, whilst I also took a little holiday to the States, and so this Saturday was first review gig back and it was hosted once again by the excellent Comets and Cartwheels.

Taking place at the newly (re-)opened Bar & Fly on Clyde Street was the Blood Relatives 'Deerheart' album launch. The new Barfly, in the exact spot of the old one, has had a makeover but wants to offer the same exciting nightlife as before. However there is a problem here, the newly positioned stage on the main bar level stands right in front of the bar itself meaning all punters watching to watch the bands are forced to stand around the bar, blocking off an area that everyone would want easy access to and not allowing anyone a properly full view of the show. It's disappointing for a venue that was so well renowned in its original form, and helped launch so many bands. I certainly wouldn't rush to see a band there again, though the sound was great on the night, even from the back of the room away from the stage.

Support on the night comes from Kill the Waves and Pronto Mama, who amply warm up an ever-growing crowd before the headliners take the stage just after 10pm. Blood Relatives follow the long line of bands in 2013 who have risen from the ashes of a previous band (in this case Kitty the Lion) with a new look and new sound. The refreshed band bring so much energy and likability that it makes for a wonderful atmosphere on the night. Hampered a few times by the loud club downstairs, another strike against the new Barfly, the band perform their new album almost in full for the packed out crowd, who received the album with the price of their ticket in. All in all it makes for a wonderful deal and a great night of music. Blood Relatives start as they mean to go on with bright tunes that you can dance to and that stay with you long after the gig has ended. They can only build on this early success and have a bright future ahead of them.

'Deerheart' is released on Comets and Cartwheels today. An album review will be posted shortly. 

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.

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: Michael Cassidy, Sam Fender, Little Fire, Ryan Joseph Burns at King Tuts Summer Nights 25.07.2013

Every year after T in the Park, King Tuts Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow celebrates the best in new and up-and-coming music with the two-week Summer Nights festival programme, showcasing bands to watch out for from Scotland and further afield. And on Thursday night I got to fully experience my first Summer Nights gig with a wonderful almost fully acoustic gig.

First up on the night was Jamie McGeechan of Little Fire, who won this year's Best Acoustic Award at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards. The music of Little Fire is that ever-popular fusion of Scottish and Americana which gets the night started off right. There's lots to be said about Jamie's talent, his energy and how he quickly gets an audience on side. One of the nights funniest moments comes from when he introduces the song 'Tell Me What You Want', plays a few chords then declares "I want it to be in tune.". With the crowd with him, and having started with a few upbeat tunes, Jamie shows a more tender side in the latter half of the set with songs like 'All I Need In Life' and newer track 'Caught In The Seams'. The short sets shows the full range of this one man and his guitar band who is sure to be going onto bigger and better things in the second half of this year, including the release of his debut album in the autumn. 

Having to follow the strong opener was Ryan Joseph Burns, who has already had success as a member of The Seventeenth Century. Ryan opens the set with two solo songs before being joined by a band for the first time, making the joke that the songs will at least be less depressing with the band behind him. The set certainly does pick up with the addition of the band and Ryan's own fusion of Scottish and Americana sets itself apart, rooting itself more in the Americana than the Scottish but it is no less brilliant for that. A particular highlight is the single Absence, which is Ryan's take on heartbreak and certainly makes the crowd that bit fonder of him. The set ends on a high with 'Where I Want To Be', getting the crowd bopping and making many new fans amongst the continually filling room. In fact, the set as a whole goes down so well that Ryan returns to the stage to perform an encore. Not often that happens in the middle of the gig.

In the interests of honesty, Sam Fender being on the bill was half the reason I wanted to attend this gig. Having seen Sam on his first trip to Glasgow back in March, I was suitably awed by his talent and with a few more months on the road under his belt he is a stronger act for it. At a young age (only 19!), he's still a raw talent but there's so much promise and talent here at deserves success. After breaking a string just as he was about to begin his second song of the night, he gives a brilliant comedic performance and he definitely could have a second career as a stand-up. His comedic performance wins him many friends in the crowd, a few even suggest he performs acapella whilst he awaits a borrow of Michael Cassidy's guitar. Sam plays a fair few miserable songs, which go down well in Scotland, even on an atypical warm and sunny summers evening. Sam's talent is here for all to see, he's got it in spades and he is winning audiences over one a time throughout the country. This Glasgow performance is sure to only be the start for him, the crowd loves him and makes it well known. In fact Sam comments that it is the best crowd he's ever had so one up for Scotland, who make the Geordie feel right at home. Sam Fender is one the UK's best underground talents, just waiting to be discovered and take the world by storm. I certainly cannot wait to see and hear more from him. 

With the crowd suitably warmed up, it was time for the headliner and tonight that was Paisley's Michael Cassidy, performing with his band.  For me, this was the first time seeing him with his band and it's wonderful to see the songs take on a whole new life with a band behind them. However, it's also clear that Cassidy's strong vocal and lyrical talents are the star of the show and the reason we're all here. We are treated both new songs and hits, both of which are well received by the crowd and there's lots of bopping going on through songs like 'Fifteen Years' and 'No One Else Is Mine'. There are two new songs in the form of 'Gonna Paint It Red' and a nursery rhyme for his niece that he aptly turned into a great track, 'Run Run Rabbit Run'. I'm very glad Michael decided to take the simple rhyme and turn it into such a beautiful track.  There's a good dose of Americana in 'Dancing At The Devil's Door', and 'We Can Breathe' ends the set on a typically strong note before Michael returns for a solo encore that is well deserved. The songs with his band have a much bigger sound but they are still heartfelt tunes that an audience can connect to and Michael himself is amiable, meaning he has all the tools to become one of our best musical exports. It's a shame that his set was marred by pockets of the audience talking loudly throughout, but that is the only little black spot on what is a brilliant night for Michael Cassidy and all the acts.

Summer Nights also features midnight guests in the bar of Tuts but your blogrunner is clearly getting too old for this, as I only manage one song of Thursday's guest Honeyblood. There was a good crowd for them and I'm sure they went down a treat.

For a warm Thursday evening in Glasgow, this gig made for an excellent way to spend it. All four acts gave the crowd great sets and wield simple acoustic guitars with great power. 

GIG REVIEW: Brothers. EP launch at Nice N Sleazy 29.06.2013

Another Saturday night with plenty of options in Glasgow, including The Wee Chill's 10th birthday at SWG3, lead to difficult decisions on how to spend the evening. Easily tempted by gigs just on my doorstep and having been graciously invited, I took myself to Sleazy's to take in the Brothers. EP launch. 

First up on the bill was Jake Beveridge, a singer-songwriter based in Glasgow. Jake plays heartfelt acoustic tracks, showcasing his strong vocals and lyrical talent. He is in the same ilk as Michael Cassidy, and fans of Cassidy would definitely enjoy Beveridge's music. Full of raw talent, I strongly believe Beveridge could be nipping at Cassidy's heels soon as he's a hidden gem of the Scottish acoustic scene. I certainly hope he wouldn't be hidden too much longer, he's got the right stuff to take him to big places. I've got my eye on him and you should too.

Taking to the stage next were Ayrshire instrumental three-piece, Two Towns Apart. I have never been one for heavier bands, or instrumental bands (unless you're Explosions in the Sky) but I was surprised by how quickly I took to their combination of both. This band are loud and proud, and they're powerful. They present walls of sound, intricately built together with talent and passion as the cement holding the bricks of powerful sounds together. Looping may have become an overused technique particularly on the Scottish scene recently but Two Towns Apart are one of the few who effectively use it to build their songs. In a break between songs we are given an explanation of the bands' name, which relates to the fact guitarist Lewis Glass lives in Irvine whilst Curtis McConnell on bass and Michael Wylde on drums stay in Ayr, with Troon and Prestwick in-between, it makes the band separated by two towns. The band have their own EP due soon and end on an impressive, and impressively loud, note. 

Finally it was time for our headliners to take to the stage. Brothers., previously known as From Now On, are a two-piece rock outfit from Kilmarnock who combine steely riffs with strong lyrical talent to make a big impact. Whilst Fraser Donaldson (guitar and vocals) and Cairns Elliot (drums and vocals) are clearly not brothers themselves, there's a brotherly-like connection in their performance and it gives them an edge that makes their live show particularly brilliant. They even manage to pull off a song called The World is Flat, which they have on played once before. The crowd made up of family, friends, and punters alike lap up the show making their inaugural Glasgow gig under the new guise a very warm affair, and a good new beginning. The crowd even manage to get the band back on for a well deserved encore, and it ends up being a very special one. On request the boys play 'Garden State' from their new EP 'September', the same song they opened the show with, but this time they do it with the help of Jake Beveridge, Two Towns Apart, Fraser's dad and a friend or two. It ends the night on a memorable note, and shows the appreciation for Brothers. is very strong and can only be due to increase as their exposure slowly grows. This band have amples of talent and a lot to show the world so there's a lot of their story yet to be written.  

It's always a joy to leave your flat and be genuinely surprised by live music, and that is what happened on this Saturday evening in Glasgow.

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: 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: 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.  

GIG REVIEW: Vigo Thieves at Broadcast 22/05/2013

Once again Broadcast played home to a launch night. On this cool Wednesday evening, a specially invited audience of family, friends and music types was there to witness Vigo Thieves  in an intimate showcase for the new 'Believe' single.

The proceedings were opened by The Calm Fiasco, whose rock pop punk got the crowd going early. Putting together a few medleys of covers and their own tracks, it's a short but sweet set. Their new song 'Sugar' is the highlight of the set, and shows they've got a chance to go bigger and better.

But this is night is all about Vigo Thieves and everyone knows it. From the get-go, they are welcomed loudly and with massive sing-alongs. They prove to be an accomplished live outfit, and put on quite the show. We are also treated to the special inclusion of a live saxophone on two songs, including on Ghosts, and this makes for a definite highlight. The single we're all there to celebrate 'Believe' is a big tune and goes down just as wonderfully as the rest of their set. The band have Broadcast literally bouncing for the majority of their show, and having brought two Canadian friends with me I definitely enjoyed being able to show them what a true Scottish get down at a gig is like. The crowd, not satisfied with the main set, use all their energy and power to bring the band back onto stage for a well deserved  and unplanned encore, and then make a point of stealing the show right at the end. 

This was Vigo Thieves' night though, and no matter how rowdy and excited the crowd were, it was the band who shone in the end, as it should be. Broadcast has been home to some brilliant launches this year, and this was definitely one of them.

GIG REVIEW: Brown Bear & The Bandit vs Miniature Dinosaurs at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut 26/04/2013

St. Vincent Street in Glasgow was home to an epic battle on Friday evening as DF concerts hosted the second date of the Brown Bear & The Bandits vs. Miniature Dinosaurs co-headline tour. 

Opening tonight's battle proceedings are Miniature Dinosaurs, and this is my first time seeing the band. In fact, it's taken me about 5 years to do so having seen Barry Maclean and Alban Dickson and a few friends perform as a one-off band 'Beautiful Tear Smiles' supporting Frightened Rabbit in early 2008 and even employed Barry's help for a university project about music. Major apologies to the band for it taking me so long, really. Glad I finally got round to it though. Miniature Dinosaurs provide Tut's with a strong set of indie pop goodness that gets the crowd bopping from the get go, and gets stronger as their set goes on. A good sign for the band is that their new song from their upcoming debut album goes down brilliantly on the evening, and is my highlight and their strongest track. It also has to be the first time I've been to a gig and been treated to a Richard O'Brien (of The Crystal Maze fame) impression, which was quite brilliant. The Dinosaurs indie-pop may not have lyrical genius of other Scots bands but they have a talent for getting a crowd bopping making them a popular live band with a chance to grow stronger.

 

Having the bar set for them, Brown Bear & the Bandits take to the stage and promptly get the crowd going with their fresh indie folk rock. The band have managed to pack out the main floor and every song is welcomed with loud cheers from the crowd, it's clear to see this band have got themselves a growing audience. The night features lots of infectious guitars and some good old jams, including 'Celtic Jam' which goes down a right treat and gets the best reaction of the night. The Bandits are also in the process of recording a first album, treating us to a few new tracks that will be on it including the heavier track 'Obsession', which is a definite highlight of mine. New single 'Olive Tree' takes on a new life live and gets a brilliant reaction from the full room. This band are going from strength to strength and their fresh sounding indie is certain to take them places. 

For my money, Brown Bear & The Bandits took this leg of the battle but it's definitely a fun one to watch. 

GIG REVIEW: Withered Hand at The Glad Cafe 25/04/2013

The dark yet cosy confines of The Glad Cafe in Shawlands was home to a special gig on Thursday evening, the return of Withered Hand with lots of new songs. The beautiful venue was well suited to the music and performers on the evening. 

Getting things going on the night was Marie Collins and her band who brought their folk-pop infusion to the brighten up the darkened cosy confines. Marie is a younger performer who was mentored by Dan of Withered Hand through The Fruit Tree Foundation and it's easy for all to see why she was chosen for this honour, as her songs are thoughtful and have an honesty to them. At only 18, there is a bright future ahead of Marie Collins and with the help from Dan, and the Scottish music community, she should grow into an accomplished singer-songwriter.

Next to take the stage was De Selby, who got my attention immediately as I spotted some brass and I am easily weakened by some good brass. They did not let me down. With a strong emphasis on the music, we are presented with beautiful instrumentals that tell well woven stories, and there's also poetry to put to their own music that makes a strong impact on the listener. Their music talent and strengths with melodies are clear for all to see and leave the stage having warmed the audience up nicely for the headliner.

At just after half past nine, Dan Wilson and Pam Berry are welcomed to the stage with the venue now packed and eager for the performance. There are lyric sheets and pieces of paper everywhere and we soon learn this is because we will be getting to hear lots of new material in its early forms, as Withered Hand will be recording a new album in Glasgow in June. The new songs are grown out of everything from touring and planes to 'New Gods', which Dan is terrified to play but was particularly brilliant. We also get treated to Dan's current favourite song, another new one called 'Horseshoe' and it's just beautiful. The new material has all the lyrical genius you expect from Withered Hand tunes, and it's still hard to believe a few years that we all had to fight via the social networks to get Dan to SXSW. Tonight is also the first time the new Withered Hand band have performed together and there's many a joke about how it will get slicker as the evening goes on, and it actually does. By the time 'Heart Heart' makes its appearance in the middle of the set, the band are hitting all the right notes and the crowd are in the palm of their hands. And a personal highlight for me was finally seeing 'Religious Songs' with the full band in tow, as it's my favourite WH track and suitably beautiful in the live full band form. 

Dan Wilson is one of the most honest and lovely musicians on the circuit and it was great to be able to witness his new material in early forms in such a lovely setting and on such a beautiful evening. This event was a brilliant way to spend a spring Thursday evening and has certainly been a highlight on my gig calendar.

GIG REVIEW: Luke Sital-Singh at The Art School, 21/04/2013

Any rules I may have set when I started this blog are perhaps more like guidelines (if you get that reference, we'll be good friends) . Therefore since this gig took place in Scotland and featured a Scottish artist on the billing, it will get to feature. 

The underground Art School venue was home to a wonderful showcase of talent on Sunday night. They may have just been three guys wailing with guitars (not my words!) but they have a strong grasp of their craft and lots to offer. 

First to take the stage was young Sam Fender from Newcastle. For an 18-year old he already has amazing talent, and whilst still quite raw he's able to stun an audience with his performance. He's already got the on-stage banter of a well-toured musician which got the crowd on his side early on and his songs about love, life and politics are woven with lyrical genius and show that in the right hands a simple acoustic guitar can be a hugely versatile instrument. This kid is one to watch, he's definitely got something special.

Photo by Fiona McKinlay

Having to follow up young Sam would be a hard task for most but Michael Cassidy takes it all in stride. One of the most talked about upcoming Scottish singer-songwriters I was very excited to see Michael for the first time and he did not disappoint, giving a performance that shows his strong lyrical talent, as well as getting the crowd on side with in-between song banter. In a crowded field of folk musicians in Scotland these days, Michael manages to standout and make an impact with his emphasis on melody and incredible lyrical talent. He puts on a wonderful live show and will certainly be playing bigger shows himself soon.

All the way from London, tonight's show was headlined by Luke Sital-Singh. I hadn't heard of Luke prior to this show but I will happily count myself as one of his fans from here on out. His performance is powerful as he presents heartfelt songs that immediately make a connection with the audience. With songs from everything to his parents and whale love songs, we witness a full range of his abilities and the strong lyrical talent he has. Joking that he's brought a calorie counter on tour to show his parents that being a musician is really tough job are amongst the highlights of the night on the banter side, and here's hoping the Glasgow show did allow him to final break the 3000-a day calories burned target he'd set himself. Luke is on a upward trajectory and I am glad I was able to catch him in such an intimate setting because bigger shows are definitely in his future. 

I went to this gig on a whim after hearing some chatter via the social networks and I am so very glad that I did as I was able to three performers who are well on their way to being the 'Next Big Thing'. Getting to spend your Sunday night being awed by the musical talents of such lovely guys as these three was definitely a great choice in the end.

Photo by Fiona McKinlay.

GIG REVIEW: Amy Duncan at Stereo 20/04/2013

There are few better ways to end your Record Store Day than at a gig and Stereo was home to the Glasgow album launch of singer-songwriter Amy Duncan on Saturday evening for an acoustic affair. 

Taking the stage just after 9pm and joined by Fiona Rutherford on harp and Lawrie MacMillan on bass, Amy Duncan begins a set that will bring the crowd to a complete stop where you could hear a pin drop and shows a talent that has a full range and power. 

The set starts off slow, with songs performed in a way that whilst showing the promise of the act display a little need for nurturing to take full advantage of the talent on stage. By the third song of the set, the title track from her new album Cycles of Life, things take a turn for the better as the songs begin to come alive, through the layering of the music and the strong vocal talents of Duncan. The set goes from strength to strength, with a highlight being 'Song to Myself', also from the new album and choosing to end on a newer song with a completely solo performance is a very bold choice, that proves to go down very well. 

There are many choices on a Saturday night in Glasgow but those who chose to come to Stereo were greeted with a beautiful performance by Amy Duncan. The live performance showed off her incredible vocal talent, as well the ability to craft songs with great structure and melodies and left you wanting more by the end. 

You can buy 'Cycles of Life' now on Linn Records, including in Studio Master Format that my fellow blogger The Pop Cop covered recently.

GIG REVIEW - Where We Lay Our Heads single launch, Brave Young Red & Shambles Miller at Broadcast 02/04/2013

The dark yet cosy confines of Broadcast was host to another launch night on Tuesday evening when the stage was graced by Where We Lay Our Heads to release new single 'Keanu Leaves' in style. 

The bar was set in the banter, and music, stakes as the night opened with Shambles Miller, who quickly got the crowd on side with his witty remarks and folk-pop tunes. It's hard to dislike a guy who carries only one t-shirt to sell at his gigs and has song entitled 'Chris Brown is a cunt (and Mike has some issues)'. Even when he messed up during his single 'Confessions', he saved it and the crowd went along with him. Few Glasgow acts can offer such witty reparte along with their live show and, for this reason, I'll certainly be attending more Shambles shows in the future.

Taking up the task of following Shambles and warming up the crowd for the headliners were Ayr's Brave Young Red. Fresh off their own EP release within the last month the majority of their setlist is made up of songs from 'Roots', the highlight of the set being when they slow things down for 'Footprints', which made this blogger thankful that they were sans an acoustic guitar for the set allowing them to dip into this track. The banter may not quite have reached Shambles' levels but there is certainly promise in this band, and I'd be fine if the acoustic guitar missed a few more gigs if we got performances like that of 'Footprints'.

The room has filled up and the crowd are settled in as our headliners take the stage just before half ten. Playing a balanced set of new and old, Where We Lay Our Heads bring in spring (finally!) with their folk-pop infused songs and keep Broadcast bopping through the full set. New single and the reason we were all there, 'Keanu Leaves' anchors the set and is the definitie highlight, whilst the new tracks played prove that there is much more to come from this band.  They may not be as good at the talking thing in between songs as their support acts but they can certainly claim to be an accomplished live act whose talent and promise is going to take them places.