Wednesday 31 July 2013

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.

Tuesday 30 July 2013

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.


Monday 29 July 2013

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. 

Monday 22 July 2013

PREVIEW: Doune the Rabbit Hole adds more acts!

Along with an animated video featuring the current lineup, Doune the Rabbit Hole announced some additions to their already brilliant lineup in the last few days. 


Cult Canadian electronic musician Aaron Funk AKA Venetian Snares heads up the additions and will play on Sunday August 25th. Adding to the already kaleidoscopically eclectic bill, Planet Mu Records’ Venetian Snares take drum ‘n’ bass and breakcore to a new level. Also on the Sunday festival goers will be treated to funky Afrobeats from Samba Sene & Diwan, a seven-piece international Senegalese band currently based in Scotland as well as rambunctious funk rock fusion outfit Bar Room Crawl play on the Baino stage.

Eclectic folk-rock band Trembling Bells and hypercolour indie dance producer- performer Miaoux Miaoux play the Baino stage on Friday; On Saturday we welcome back the indescribably mad and brilliant Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5 and John Knox Sex Club make their return to the scene, to the joy of this blogrunner. 

These additions follow up the announce that the festival has also added a dance-themed performance space for live acts and DJs, curated by Glasgow’s Low End Collective. Acts include techno DJ Rebecca Vasmant, Glasgow hip hop duo Hector Bizerk, reggae soundsystem Argonaut Sounds and a plethora of Scottish talent over a range of styles to keep visitors dancing all weekend. 

And it all begins one day earlier this year with an extra mini line up on Thursday night – featuring Orkestra del Solat no extra cost to those arriving early.

These acts join those already on the bill – including Alasdair Roberts & Friends, Clinic, The Pastels, PAWS, Rachel Sermanni, Machines In Heaven, Stealing Sheep, Zs, Robyn Hitchcock, Arbouretum and many more.

Cosmic Dead will now play on Sunday and Mother Ganga will now appear with their project Flaccid House! July are unfortunately no longer able to join us on Sunday due to illness. Zun Zun Egui, The Wellgreen and Flamingods are also no longer performing due to other commitments.

Get tickets right now at http://dounetherabbithole.co.uk/tickets – buy before August 1st to save £10 on adult full price camping weekend passes. Under 12s go free and day tickets are available. Use Go Car Share, the festival’s lift share partners, to fix up up your carbon footprint-friendly ride and make some new friends! http://dounetherabbithole.co.uk/gocarshare/

Watch the animated lineup video below:

Wednesday 3 July 2013

ALBUM REVIEW: Planet Shhh! - Human Pyramids

Human Pyramids is the new project from multi-instrumentalist Paul Russell, who was raised in an old mining village in the central belt of Scotland but is now based on London. The debut album 'Planet Shhh!' includes a number of hand-picked musicians from around the UK including Scotland's own Jill O'Sullivan of Sparrow and the Workshop and Jenny Reeve of Strike The Colours. 

'Planet Shhh!' is a 12-track self-produced instrumental album that proves just about anything is possible. It features orchestral tracks with many a post-rock build-up making for an absolutely towering production. You will be awed by the motions and layers of sound you hear, as the songs are put together with particular care and talent. There's a chance for every contributor on this singular album to shine and its hard to pick just one highlight. 

Fourth track 'Alphabet City' made a strong impact on me, full of layers and quite a different take on orchestral tracks one might expect from an album of this nature, I was blown away by how well put together it was and how it managed to evoke such powerful emotions from the listener. I think you'll be amazed too. 

Each track on this album has its own story to tell, but effectively tracked together they also act as one large musical novel of sweeping orchestrals, monumental build-ups and deep emotions. You'd be hard-pressed to listen to this album and not be swept up in the rich textures and melodies it has in spades, and you'll be swooning from the open to the close at the beauty of this expertly crafted debut. Plus any album with a track called 'Duvet Day' is a winner in my book.

'Planet Shhh!' is released Worldwide on July 15th by Oxide Tones. You can pre-order your copy here.

Monday 1 July 2013

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.