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.  

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.

ALBUM REVIEW: Quickbeam - Quickbeam

Glasgow’s Quickbeam are already making waves on the alt-folk scene in Scotland and their debut album marks their arrival into the popular folk enchelons with aplomb.

The 12-track self-titled player is beautifully layered, with soaring and affecting music that will touch even those with the blackest of hearts. Their lyrical genius is clear throughout and the beautifully heartfelt lyrics coupled with the layers of soaring orchestral music makes for an especially strong debut.

Each track is painted like a collage, where lots of elements come together as one to tell a story for the listener. For such a young band to accomplish such delicate layering and mastering is a sight to behold and the sky really isn’t the limit for what they can achieve from here.

The album has many highlights, but Home is a particularly strong and perfectly placed track at the mid-point with a massive build. Singles Immersed and Seven Hundred Birds make an early impact, and the latter half of the album is the most deeply affecting, leaving the listener with a poignant finish.

Few bands can make such a strong impact with their debut, but Quickbeam have achieved that and then some. The future is looking very, very bright for them.

Quickbeam is released on June 3^rd via Comets and Cartwheels.

Originally published on Glasgow Podcart