Spirit
Friday 16th June, The Windsor Hotel, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland. Rubber Stamp Promotions put together a evening of live music from locals bands based around Fife.
Ticket sales were high and the anticipation for the event grew as many promoters, gig go-ers and fans took to social media in the run up to the event, it promised to be an evening of solid entertainment.
The event itself was the launch gig for the debut album “From The Top” from The Sunset Spirit, a Fife band with a genuinely loyal fan base, one whichj I’m sure will increase after this gig.
The support bands are all, in their own right, regulars of the live music circuit and to get them all on the same bill on a Friday night is quite impressive.
THE DECREES
First up was the young energetic lads n lasses that form The Decrees from Dunfermline. From the first chord they launched into a fiery set and halfway through the first song you realise this is going to become a sweaty, satisfying rock’n’roll journey. Lead singer Lewis Akers was stripped to the waist before the end of the 2nd song and was jumping off the stage and just revelling in his bands energy and rock rhythms. It was an impressive set to say the least. Their debut EP “Screams From Suburbia” is available on streaming and download sites.
GENTLEMEN JACKALS
Next on stage was Fife quartet Gentlemen Jackals. Their bio says they are “lost in time” and one of their goals in “recapturing the sound of yesteryear”, however they use their influences to create their own sound which is filled with hooks, melody and rock’n’roll melodies so fresh sounding you wonder why no-one has come up with it before. There are very few bands I have heard live where, as an audience member, I can hear every single band members stage contribution stand out, from vocals, rhythm guitar, a spectacular bass and a drummer with expert timing and percussion skills. Their set at The Windsor sounded accomplished and some new, unreleased songs sounded so great I wanted to have an LP immediately, something I’m sure will be available very soon. Really impressed. 3 singles “Hold My Body”, “Oh Tanya”, and the latest “Wisdom To The Wise” are available to stream and download.
THE ELLIES
Before this gig,I must confess to not knowing a great deal about this band from Glenrothes, which is a tragedy a) because they are quite literally amazing and b) I am from Glenrothes and never knew of them. Apologies Ellies. However, downloading their debut album “Same Old Silence” without having heard a single song proved a worthwhile investment. They arrived on stage and launched into their set with gusto, banging out tune after tune with the most brilliant guitar lines, solid rhythm and some lad-chanting choruses. Really glad to experience their sound live, will definitely be seeing them again.
THE SUNSET SPIRIT
The headline band, showcasing their debut album “From The Top” were heralded by a piper before their appreciative audience cheered them on stage. From the off they showed why they are an exciting, fresh sounding band. Their use of a sensational keyboard sound for starters, adding an extra dimension to the feelgood sound of their songs. Clearly the audience loved them, singing and dancing to every song and they blazed through their set mixing rock sounds, swirling keys, acoustic guitars, harmonica, and the gentle but powerful voice of Stuart Shield, and it works. Their album “From The Top” is a fine collection and they’ve done Fife proud, available for streaming and download.
These types of events are so important, not only for the bands, but for local music, the community and the venues, I hope that similar events continue to be staged and given the support they need and deserve.
Thank you for reading this far.
Mark x
