Atmospheric and sensitive, beautiful moments, usually delicate, sometimes gritty, always absorbing.
Attended by George
Category: Gigs
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Loma – The Hug & Pint, Glasgow – 5 June 2018
Just came across American band Loma via KEXP, anything Cheryl Waters recommends usually works for me. I was impressed enough to traipse through. First time at the Hug & Pint too and I’m pleased to say I was definitely impressed by both! -
Sylvan Esso – Leith Theatre, Edinburgh – 26 May 2018
I’ve been interested in seeing Sylvan Esso for ages, nearly did while in the USA last year, but sunny Leith was too good to resist. Not my usual bag, but their unique quirkiness and enthusiasm is infectious. And lots of others are getting on board, hence their growing popularity resulting headlining Hidden Door festival at the lovely Leith Theatre, a memorable feature of my youth. Not feeling that well, I rolled in late and left early. Enough to see the packed house having a great time and see just how well Amelia and Nick brilliantly and charmingly work a big audience into a dancing party frenzy! I’m not a fan of so much programmed music though, however well manipulated live, so not really for me but definitely fun.Attended by George
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Bully – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh – 22 May 2018
Loud, shouty, grungy, punky … I think there must be more to Bully, the essence that piqued my interest and got me along, but I’m not getting it tonight. An impressive noise and lots of committment but nothing special or memorable for me. That doesn’t mean you wouldn’t like it … just not for me on the night, and I’m absolutely certain they don’t care what I think!All about singer, songwriter and guitarist Alicia Bognanno, the band have come a long way from Nashville. Many marks out of 10 for sheer attitude, good luck to them.
Attended by George
https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/live-music/reviews/bully-sneaky-petes-edinburgh-22-may
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Susanne Sundfør – The Barbican, London – 21 May 2018
I had seen Susanne twice before quite recently, both lovely solo shows, but I was determined to get the full band and audio/visual experience she had only shown in Norway. The premise was for her to play her latest album ‘Music For People In Trouble’ in it’s entirety from start to finish, but with a unique massive visual overlay, as much art installation as concert. So glad I persevered and got a seat right in the middle at the front. I was justifiably excited!
This show was originally scheduled for Shepherds Bush Empire in February, but re-arranged. I bet it was to move this very special event to a more suitable venue since this was being filmed, hopefully out on DVD soon! And the move was fully justified, The Barbican being a superb theatre for acoustics and enabling the amazing see through screen in front of the performers for the incredible front projected images of digital moving art and performance footage. The effect was absolutely stunning.
Susanne and the band played the show in sombre black hooded cloaks. No audience interaction and the songs were pretty much segued together as on the album. Included were the same spoken interludes but with longer musical sections with more free jazz style improvisations featuring saxophonist André Roligheten and bassist Petter Eldh from Gard Nilsson’s Acoustic Unity trio. I was also completely made up to see Susanne joined by Gunhild Kristofferson and Megan Kovacs (of Bow To Each Other) for their gorgeous harmony vocals and keyboards.
Though I think a few in the audience were thrown by the very long sax, pedal steel and double bass solos (not me) I was spellbound and gripped by the astonishing visual display on top of wonderful performances of some of my favourite songs. Susanne is never less than perfect and manages to sing the songs differently every time, a special singing talent as well as being a great songwriter. There were hardly any pauses allowing applause during the show, but when the last notes of a brilliant version of Mountaineers rang out and after the spoken outro the audience jumped to their feet for a standing ovation and two ecstatic curtain calls. One of the shows of the century for me. Unforgettable!
10/11 – Attended by George
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St Martiins – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh – 18 March 2018
St Martiins from Dundee are singer Katie Lynch and guitarist Mark Johnston. They make modern sounding alt-pop with nice shoegazey tinges. Joined by 2nd guitar, bass and drums they make a bigger impression than a 2 piece. All work well together to support Katie’s lovely voice. I really liked Mark’s guitar parts and spacey sound effects, very Robin Guthrie to my ears. Short set, but I’ll be back for more! Same goes for support Zoe Graham … very impressed by her songs with clever guitar and keys looping.
7/11 – Attended by George
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Drenge / Kagoule – Art School, Glasgow – 3 May 2018
I’m a big fan of support band Kagoule, having seen them twice before, so a trip to Glasgow including a look at Drenge was well in order. Kagoule were really good as usual, but suffered a bit from support band sound syndrome, Lucy’s bass too loud and I could hardly hear guitarist Kai. Anyway, I like their new songs and hear a new album is coming soon called ‘Strange Entertainment’. I’m sure it will be that, but in a good way!
Drenge have been around for a while, since 2010, but have not toured in the last few years so the backstage banner said ‘Drenge presents – Grand Reopening’! Focus is all on vocalist and seeming leader Eoin Loveless, and I had heard of them originally as a two piece, now with added bass and guitar/keys. I found them interesting, but not knowing the songs well I wasn’t that engaged. Hard to categorise their songs too, no bad thing, one minute garage/indie, the next more straightforward rock. Not bad, but not quite my cup of tea.
7/11 – Attended by George
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Half Formed Things – The Mash House, Edinburgh – 28 April 2018
Half Formed Things are a precious discovery of a new band for me, but I think Karen loves them even more! They have been building quietly since we saw them last year, which seems to be a careful and thoughtful approach, this show was a break from recording their first album. A short set, which couldn’t be more tantalising since the album will be special judging by the songs showcased.The band have added another singer Nici and her voice works beautifully alongside Morgan’s. But the balance of songs tonight seemed to feature Matthew’s singing and I was impressed as always, particularly during the stunning cover of ‘Hyperballad’ by Björk, one of my favourite songs. Imaginative but powerful drumming from Stewart is another key feature of their sound.
Dramatic, Cinematic, Arty, Proggy, all sorts of words used by others to describe their take on Quiet, Loud, Quiet, Loud. Like Pop, but so much bigger! You’ll have to listen for yourself (see below incl. new single February). We will be doing much more of that later this year.
8.5/11 – Attended by George & Karen
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The Postcards – Liberton Rugby Club, Edinburgh – 21 April 2018
This is not really a review, because I was actually in the band playing the bass guitar! My first proper gig since Oct 1989! I’ve been so lucky to hook up with a great bunch, not only smart, fun people, but great musicians, who share my passion for the indie music of our youth and take great delight in re-interpreting those songs. I couldn’t be more chuffed with how well it’s turning out.
I’ve only been in the band for weeks it seems, but we managed to get a strong 10 song set together to play at a fund raising event for the wonderful ‘Dads Rock Academy’. ‘Dads Rock Academy (Facebook page) is Scotland’s first and only rock academy for young people and their parents. It offers weekly rock band tuition to kids and their dads, as well as giving them a free instrument whilst they attend the academy. Dads Rock Academy is open for young people aged 7-16 years to attend. The idea is that the families learn together, having a shared experience of learning how to rock!’
All went well with our set and the whole night was a joy, and to see so many aspiring musicians, young and not so young, start out in there live musical journeys was a privilege. Thanks so much to everybody who put so much into the event and gave us such a lovely welcome. We do need more rehearsal time of course, but we really enjoyed it and the few videos taken don’t look all that bad. Thanks to the video and photo takers especially Grant Dickson. See more on our new Facebook Page. which I encourage you all to like and set following to ‘see first’! 😉
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The Darling Buds – The Lexington, London – 14 April 2018
Getting on for … ahem, 30 years since our band AVO-8 supported The Darling Buds around the UK on their 89 tour. Jan pointed out that back then, we never really got to watch them properly, so we put that right since they have reformed in recent years for a new ‘Evergreen’ EP and gigs. Well Andrea and Chris are still there from the original line-up so it was great to see them and say hello, even hugs with Jan!
The Lexington is a great wee venue, been there twice before, and it was sold out solid with happy Buds fans singing all the words and throwing confetti just like the old days. They played a very completist set for an hour with all the hits and Andrea was on top form, she hasn’t changed a bit. Such a warm fuzzy, funny night of nostalgia and banging good tunes … magic!
8/11 – Attended by George & Jan
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Goat Girl – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh – 10 April 2018
I’d enjoyed seeing Goat Girl twice before supporting Girl Band and Moonlandingz, but I think this is their first headlining tour in support of their first album that has a lot of justified attention and hype. I really like their off kilter approach to riffs and melodies and dry, even sarcastic lyrics and attitude.
They’ve added additional violin and keyboard/effects players but though they added the odd touch, the bands overall sounds just the same to me, maybe a bit early to be looking for growth and direction … they are getting better at what they do which went down a storm with a packed Sneaky Pete’s. Wonder what is next for Goat Girl? Will definitely see them again.
7/11 – Attended by George & Douglas
