Can`t complain about the surroundings ` a cosy stone walled hall in gorgeous leafy countryside 20 miles from Aberdeen. All that was missing was a log fire though it wasn`t needed on this warm May evening but it would have made a nice touch. Also notable was the vast array of instrumentation ` banjo, xylophone, accordion, double bass, violin and even the much underrated kazoo made appearances tonight. As you can probably detect this wasn`t your average rock n roll gig. The crowd was odd as well ` lots of beards and chunky jumpers. It was hard to detect whether they were hardcore Aberfeldy fans or locals desperate for a slice of rock action. One thing was certain there was to be no rock n roll debauchery witnessed tonight. Band members sipping a cans of lager was about as racy at it got.
Glaswegians Finneston ambled onto stage first. They played a quite unremarkable set of twee indie pop, laced with harmony after harmony. The quiet sound (subsequently meaning plenty of muttering was going on during their set) didn`t help the cause as their songs just seemed to pass everyone by. But extra points for using a double bass to full effect, such an instrument is rarely used at your average gig. The songs were weak and unmemorable but the bands enthusiasm should be noted. I was assured they are better on record (aren`t we always in this situation?) but that`s not to say Finneston were bad ` far from it. They just lack that vital slab of originality so crucial when trying to make a breakthrough, their sound steeped in a thousand Scottish bands we have heard before (maybe this particular sound could be canned and sold to the world as `The Scottish Sound`). Full marks for trying though.
Sandy Wright played a short set with members of Aberfeldy. Wright has a `lived in` face and has certainly been round the block a few times. He looks the type of chap it would be invigorating to share a bottle of whisky with as he reminisces about days long gone ` he certainly has a story to tell. Unfortunately it was impossible to detect what he was mumbling between the songs, something about a film soundtrack I believe. The slow songs were let down by their all round dullness and impossibility to catch your ear. The faster tunes were toe tapping enough but you couldn`t help thinking this was the kind of thing you see in bars in the Highlands and Ireland usually involving one man, a guitar and a backing track. Sandy Wright certainly needs a little more investigating; he has more to offer than what we saw here.
Aberfeldy look and sound tired tonight. Just back from Orkney so inevitably hungover, this is one of the final dates of their current Scottish tour. Same problem as with Sandy Wright, it was impossible to hear what the singer was saying between the songs and the audio levels were way too low. All too often you found yourself talking to folk and forgetting there was a band on. The slow songs didn`t work; they really passed the audience by and were simply unmemorable. When they picked the pace up towards the end of the show they proved what a great band they can be. Although the rousing number are reminiscent of Deacon Blue (but if it`s any consolation good Deacon Blue if there is such a thing), the last four songs really get the audience going and suddenly the band come to life. Aberfeldy are an odd institution, quirky alternative indie pop is the best way of describing them. This wasn`t their best gig but there was enough evidence to suggest they are deserving of being up there with some of the Scottish greats and can look forward to a lengthy career in the filthiest business in the world
All in all an enjoyable evening that was let down by usual criticisms such as poor sound and tour fatigue. Those gripes can be forgiven as their were many positives to be taken and it would be enthralling to see this talent on a more invigorating stage` With better sound.