`Let the wind blow high and the wind blow low, through the streets in my kilt I go, all the lassies cry, `Hello! Donald, where’s yer troosers?“ So begins Camera Obscura`s long-awaited return to the Scottish capital, and there`s certainly a sense of celebration about the gig tonight. Not only does lead singer TraceyAnne Campbell tell us that they`re glad to be home after undertaking a gruelling international tour, but they`ve also been reunited with percussionist and general jack-of-all-trades Nigel Baillie, having somehow coped without him for their two months overseas. The hecklers suggest that he spent the time in prison, but if he did then he was certainly allowed plenty of practice time. For tonight Camera Obscura positively sparkle.
Early on we`re treated to a joyous rendition of `Suspended From Class`, while the middle of their set is propped up by the misery-pop of new single `Tears For Affairs`, but it`s in the last quarter of an hour that they really start to shine. `Let`s Get Out Of This Country` still has the ability to surprise and enliven even the most surly of Edinburgh crowds, while `Teenager` and `If Looks Could Kill` close the set in true floor-shaking style. Campbell promises us that they`ll be back for an encore, and it`s only a matter of minutes before they re-emerge, hurried along by the venue`s ten-thirty curfew. It`s proof of their versatility that they come back with a strangely downbeat rendition of ABBA`s `Super Trooper`, so eerily melancholy that you can`t help wondering how you ever thought it was a cheery pop tune.
In between the ABBA and the frothier, poppier numbers Camera Obscura have plucked our heartstrings with everything from folksy ballads to Germanic waltzes, and they hardly hit a wrong note throughout. They might have got out of this country over the last few months, but they look like they`re happy to be home. And we`re certainly glad to have them back.