Strike The Colours
Nice'n'Sleazy (23/06/2007)
Tonight sees the launch of the rather excellent mini-album by Ms Reeve and associates. Support comes from `Terra Diablo and friends` including Mike Baillie of Baillie and the Fault. They play a selection of covers including Neil Young and bizarrely enough, a fun version of the theme to the 70`s cult TV show `Monkey`. Competent and enjoyable enough, but a slightly odd choice of support in my opinion, given that there were few original songs played.
Next up is Burnt Island, their mix of Nick Drake-esque folk and atmospheric pad sounds is well put together and well executed, but about half of the venue chooses to talk over them. Perhaps they are worth further investigation despite being ignored by some of tonight`s crowd.
At last (it`s approaching quarter past eleven) Strike the Colours take up their positions onstage. They prove themselves to be worth the wait as the album, which is performed in full, translates beautifully into a live setting. The live production is excellent; the sound is full and many of the subtleties of the songs on record really come into their own; the expressive violin, the shoegaze-esque guitars and the haunting folk inspired vocal harmonies to highlight a few of them. In addition to the more obvious strengths of the five piece, particularly the gentle yet powerful main vocal and the honest and intimate delivery of the music, it makes a very captivating performance. There`s a charming modesty and slight nervousness about the performers themselves, which is a refreshing break from the usual arrogance on display in most Glasgow venues on a Saturday night. In addition to the full album, we are treated to a new song, performed solo on the acoustic, as well as Strike The Colours` memorable contribution to Ballads Of The Book; `Message in a Bottle`. Clich`d as it may be, the only complaint is that the whole thing seemed to go by so quickly.
The Face That Sunk A Thousand Ships is available in good record stores, online and via digital download.
Stuart Torrance
