George Glen

Always try to catch the rare Valves gigs, especially after covid layoff, so really enjoyed this one at The Wee Red Bar again. Great to hear the old, old tunes again and meet some old, old friends again !

Attended by George & Jan

Bought tickets immediately on sale knowing Wet Leg were just about to blow up massively and amazingly they stayed with the Mash House when they surely could have sold out a much bigger venue. And the small club environment was just perfect to experience the band at their joyous best. They are currently riding this ginormous wave of love and hype. The grind of touring and soaring profile might well change them but at the moment they seem to be still having a blast on stage. I’m sure they can’t believe the amazing reception they are getting but tonight was just a massive celebration with a party atmosphere and killer tunes.

They only have so many tunes from their short career, but more than enough from their great debut album ‘Wet Leg’ … deceptively simple but catchy songs with hooky riffs and clever, knowing lyrics. Intelligent, imaginative, irreverent. So much smiling … in the crowd and on the stage … infectious and a ton of fun. Rhian and Hester are just superstars with amazing rapport, stage presence and no little skills. Brilliant show all round, made a lot of people very happy. Magic. What next for Wet Leg? Will be fun to watch.

Attended by George, Andy and Douglas

I’ve been captivated by the mesmerising Celtic Harp playing of Maeve since hearing first then seeing her playing at two amazing concerts with Arooj Aftab. The fact she is from Edinburgh and had composed a special piece for the Edinburgh International Harp Festival … I just had to go.

And what a special occasion and performance to close the festival with ’Sharmanka Suite (Death And The Polar Bear)’. Just stunningly beautiful music, led by Maeve’s Harp but with brilliant and sensitive contributions from Su-a Lee (Cello), Fergus McCreadie (Harmonium), Aidan O’Rourke (Fiddle) and Ruth Nelson (Viola). All to a video backdrop of exhibits from the place that inspired the suite … The Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre in Glasgow. Must go there soon!

Attended by George

Chris’s idea to see Midlake, a band I knew nothing about, but I liked videos of their new album after their long hiatus, and as expected they were very good. Laid back but varied Southern rock with inventive playing and melodies. Really liked the basslines from Jesse Chandler. Not my usual favourite style, but quality always impresses.

Attended by George & Chris

Aurora Asknes is a unique one off artist and I loved her first album and performances since I saw her superb show at the Art School in 2016. She has grown in popularity since but I’ve not been so moved by her subsequent albums which have lots of standard, modern pop apart from the odd brilliant song to remind just how special she can be.

Still great to see her again and brought Mhairi along as a birthday treat! A packed in young crowd appreciated her every word and move and sang along faithfully and enthusiastically. A nice time had by all, but just not as stunning as her debut.

Attended by George and Mhairi

Thanks for having us PJ Molloys and thanks guys for coming. #yourock 🤘🎸Really enjoyed that and a great set from Braw too. Shall we come back later in the year?