Infectious disco-rockers Data Select Party stand out from the other two bands this evening, only because of the apparent lack of their American ‘emo’ influence. DSP, undoubtedly a name to watch for in the New Year, play the kind of disco drum beats and inter-tweening guitar harmonies that their London counterparts Foals have exploded with in the last year. The performance is impressive from the start, with much handclapping and group vocals that would make even the most frigid tap the odd foot. DSP’s drummer unfortunately splits the bass drum midway through what was a highly enjoyable set. While crew members from the various bands slowly change over bass drums, the band are left with little to do except stand and attempt to entertain an impatient Glasgow crowd with their stale banter. It is a shame, because it is absolutely cringeworthy. Once the band get going again, it is difficult to pick up the pace at which they were interrupted. Playing songs such as ‘Ultra Swing’, ‘You Should Know Bedda’ and new single ‘No Girls Allowed’, Data Select Party could be massive with a strike of luck. Unfortunately for everyone tonight that is exactly what was missing.
It is difficult to overlook the overwhelming pretentious aura that bellows from Surrey lads Furthest Drive Home. When approaching a band constantly labeled ‘emo superstars in the making’ and ‘the new Fall Out Boy’, it must be with an open mind and little judgment. However, the theatrical pomposity, whinny vocals and choreographed stage presence from FDH this evening is enough to make the great man himself Michael Jackson squirm. Catchy-as-hell and easy to listen to, that there is absolutely no doubt about. I am quite certain that emo-pop music fans and mothers alike would adore this squeaky-clean pop-rock act. ‘I Pray Cruel’ includes a keyboard manipulated string input that the four band members, and only the four band members, seem mesmerised by. It says it all, really.
Four studio albums later, one may have questioned whether Anberlin were going to receive the kind of mass recognition they oh-so deserved. Universal Records came knocking, however, and September’s major label debut ‘New Surrender’ has provided the evidence that Florida’s alternative rock outfit could be set to become a household name in the not-so-distant-future. The band come onstage to a deafening applause, which furthered my question of when exactly Anberlin became so popular. There are three-hundred odd people inside a sold-out King Tuts this evening in complete adoration of every note played, and the band appear to take in and reproduce this relentless energy. Animated vocalist Stephen Christian does not take long to get intimate with the crowd, about 15 seconds in fact, as he dives straight in before there is even a chorus sang.
Touring in support of New Surrender, Anberlin also play a host of songs from older and just as popular albums Cities and Never Take Friendship Personal. Christian is completely idolised by this Glasgow crowd, as every word he sings is sang back louder by those devotee’s facing him. New single ‘Feel Good Drag’ receives the greatest crowd-reaction of the night, with the pace then slowed down with acoustic anthems ‘Breathe’ and ‘Unwinding Cable Car’. Looking and sounding like a more mature and confident band, Anberlin, albeit not the most creative and original sound, show tonight that they are more than capable of making the step up to greater thing.