In between the neon strip lights, extravagant decor and psychedelic art surrounding the boutique music venue aptly named Electric Circus, it’s not unusual to feel as though you have been transported back to the 80s, and even more so when the band onstage are the Mystery Jets.
The indie-pop fueled quartet arrived back in Edinburgh for a special performance as part of an exlusive intimate tour throughout the UK in promotion of their fourth album ‘Radlands’, due for release on 30th April.
An American theme ran throughout the stage set with a Texan style introduction and a backdrop display featuring the USA flag. Introducing themselves with a brand new song called ‘Someone Purer’, frontman Blaine Harrison unveiled flawless vocals throughout the beautifully composed track, and despite the fact that the single had only been previewed a few weeks ago on Radio 1, the audience displayed a serious amount of dedication as they sang along word for word with Harrison. Subsquently, when the cleverly juxtaposed powerful chorus kicked in, the tiny room subsided into an erratic atmosphere, establishing some rather interesting dance moves from the crowd, which even the band seemed to enjoy shown by their frequent smiles among each other.
Without a doubt the prog-rock days of Mystery Jets are long gone as the group proceed to another era with a whole new persona courtesy of their latest material which features heavy inspiration from America where the band spent much of their time recording ‘Radlands’. However, one attribute that the band have definitely managed to maintain is the retro disco vibe which frequently revolved around the Electric Circus venue throughout the night. Predominantly, igniting into full power with vivacious dancing when classics from second album ‘Twenty One’ were performed, including the chant worthy ‘Half In Love With Elizabeth’ and synth-pop love song ‘Two Doors Down’.
Shortly after, London musician Sophie-Rose Harper joined the group onstage for a captivating and passionate duet with Guitarist William Rees called ‘Take Me Where The Roses Grow’. Perhaps a more sentimental direction for Mystery Jets, but still nonetheless well received as the crowd all thorougly enjoyed the unique addition to the bands performance.
Closing their set with an enchanting arrangement of ‘Behind The Bunhouse’ and an encore including favourites such as ‘Show Me The Light’ and ‘Flakes’, concluded the perfect ending to a well executed show.
Whilst the group may have gained a member onstage during the night, they also seemed to lose their original bassist Kai Fish who was replaced by Peter Cochrane. However regardless of the impromptu difference in their line-up, Mystery Jets blazed their way through an astounding performance for a comeback gig, leaving their fans eager for more.
(Photos by Nicola Sharkey – www.nicolasharkeyphotography.com)