Six Gigs/Six Venues/One City
Glasgow - UNESCO City of Music don't you know. Home to some of the greatest bands of all time. Belle & Sebastian. Franz Ferdinand. Deacon Blue. To celebrate this fact, and because NO-ONE PLAYS GIGS IN EDINBURGH, I shall be trekking the length and breadth of the M8 to see a variety of acts between now and Christmas.
Act: Fatherson (I was really here to see Russian Ninjas who were supporting)
Let's start with the venue shall we. Like most students of Glasgow, I have frequented The Garage on many a boozy Saturday night. The sticky floors, the sickly shooters, the short SHORT skirts, the cheesy music. It was a right of passage. However, not once did I see a band in the hallowed walls. Tonight's gig took place in G1, the main air-hanger like hall. Not bad space. With a massive sound desk in the middle of the floor, getting rid of a least a fifth of the capacity, bringing some intimacy to the event. Sound quality was okay. Ventilation was surprisingly decent. Overall, a none to shabby experience, if only I can get the nightmarish images of my 20-year-old self grinding away to Beyoncé's 'Crazy in Love'.
First up was my mate Alex's band. Russian Ninjas. From the hackneyed west coast town of Fort William, this four-piece have been 'jamming' for a while now. Enjoyable on record, tonight's set was a lot heavier than I was expecting. Not a criticism of course, they hit the set-list at full pelt, utilising the limited stage they were given around Fatherson's gear. Lead singer Jamie C belted out the lyrics, his ear-bursting screeching reminiscent of when I saw The Automatic back in my uni days (what ever happened to them). Ninjas do tread a similar sound to The Automatic, with added originality reminiscent of The Vaccines and early Kings of Leon. My only issue was the sound quality, a problem with the venue more than the band. Having heard their songs before I know there are some great lyrics in there, it would awesome to hear them. On the plus side, their drummer is awesome. Based is pretty bad-ass too. Given more space and better speakers, these guys will rock your socks off.
There were two other support acts who I failed to catch choosing a trip to the noodle bar instead. What, I love them noodles. They were So Many Animal Calls and Midnight Lion. Sorry guys, will check out your Myspace or whatever.
The headline act were Fatherson, an up-and-coming Scottish indie-rock band with this their biggest headline to date. Opening with the lead singer solo on stage playing acoustic I felt like I was watching a Grizzly Bear tribute. However, once the remainder of the band took to the stage what I was witness to was a solid sounding act similar to a 'Only Revolutions' era Biffy Clyro. Yet with top-tapping tunes, catchy choruses and plenty of opportunities to sing-along, Fatherson aren't as afraid as Biffy to admit they are want to produce stadium anthems. Plenty of the set could be imagined in a larger setting with a sea of faces singing back.
Front-man Ross Leighton is an excellent vocalist, reminding me at times of Admiral Fallows lead. This warm, Scottish quality really brought out the west coast infused lyrics. Credit should also be given to Elaine Glass on cello whose subtle strings lifted the music above what could have been a bland guitar and drums band. At times the combo of the instruments gave the band a touch of American indie power, similar perhaps to Death Cab for Cutie. I could imagine the tunes playing over the climax of a quirky rom-com or the trailer for drama about the naval-gazing lives of twenty-something year-olds.
Overall, a good night. Great to finally see my mates band play, and in such a big space. My return to the scene of my dancing crimes wasn't too cringe worthy, though can't say I will be back any time soon. Also, the discovery of a new, exciting Scottish band is always a bonus; I look forward to that album in 2013 boys. I recommend you check 'em both out, always good to be supporting the local talent. A good start to my Glasgow gigs project.
