This lot have apparently been active for ten years and this is a compilation of their best bits, along with another CD of remixes. It’s electronica, minimalist with occasional crescendos and treated guitars more… “Port Royal”
It’s not in the biggest ‘Arch’ – arch six I think – but then this band’s profile in the UK has not exactly been high these past few years more… “The Twilight Singers”
Ah, the NME Shockwaves tour – formerly the NME tour, formerly the Brats tour etc etc. The NME’s annual attempt to say “WE PREDICT, IN FACT WE SAY, THESE BANDS ARE THE FUTURE THIS YEAR AND WILL BE HUGE” more… “Crystal Castles / Magnetic Man / Everything Everything”
So here we are in the environs of the Grand Ol’ Opry, Glasgow’s premier country music venue (forthcoming attractions include Lena “one day at a time, sweet Jesus” Martell; not sure if ITM will cover this one but give me a pass and Betty will gladly finger her, sorry, cowpoke her) more… “Mogwai”
This is a bizarre disc, but somehow it works. more… “Green Door Kids”
First up on this double header is “electro-pop” combo Flesh, project of estwhile Altered Images sticksman Steven Lironi. His svengali-ism has gathered together the obligatory 80’s keyboard riffs, coolly detached female vocalist etc etc. more… “Flesh / The Sexual Objects”
A Christmas release, of sorts, the title and a big picture of Mr Christ being the key giveaways here. There’s a hint of Motown on this jaunty single more… “The Loves”
Moved from the original venue (Oran Mor), this gig saw the ABC again around 90% full. I’m afraid I arrived late, and as it turns out I think they started with a couple of their best from the current album, can’t believe that they would not have played ‘Drag the Lake’ more… “Drive By Truckers”
Was this set to be the gig of the year? Well maybe not, but it did have some of the right elements. The biggest cult band on the planet, almost selling out the gargantuan SECC Hall 4 at 9000 plus, the debuting in Scotland of material from the “difficult” third album The Suburbs, their first live date north of the border in over three years… more… “Arcade Fire”
Oh darling sugar honey
When it was nice and sunny
And when I had some money
We would go and see Echo and the Bunny
Men more… “Echo and the Bunnymen”