Touring in support of latest album ‘So Beautiful or So What,’ Paul Simon returns to Glasgow accompanied by an eight piece band, who back him superbly with a variety of instruments and styles. more… “Paul Simon”
Glasgow’s Captain’s Rest is perfect for an intimate, hot and sweaty gig by one of your favourite bands, and a bouncing moshpit. However, the fact that eight albums in, a band who can be as majestic as Quasi aren’t filling much bigger venues, reinforces that we live in an unjust world more… “Quasi”
Glen Campbell casually strolls onstage and the Royal Concert Hall audience immediately respond not just with applause, but seemingly with an overflow of deep affection for this near icon of country, and popular music. more… “Glen Campbell”
As a teenager, Harper Simon guested on guitar during his father Paul’s Graceland tour. And yet, he still seems a touch nervous shuffling onstage at Nice n’ Sleazy to play to a small but enthusiastic crowd of Glasgow punters. more… “Harper Simon”
Midlake tonight return to Glasgow after a two year absence, to grace us with their perfect harmonies and brooding alt-folk-rock. This time they are here in support of their gloomy, but lovely, third long player, ‘The Courage of Others.’ The set is largely composed of songs from this new album, plus a generous helping from 2006’s more familiar ‘the Trials of Van Occupanther.’
Much of the new material is underpinned by an eerie sense of foreboding, perfectly replicated by the band, expanded from five, to a seven piece for the live shows. On ‘Rulers, Ruling All Things,’ for example, the cavernous ABC seems to be consumed by the ghostly, ominous flutes of Tim Smith and Jesse Chandler. Similarly, while ‘Winter Dies’ features perfect three part harmonies, its menacing guitars seem to point to future pain.
Unquestionably, however, the band are on top form tonight. The lush sound is the result of a group of highly talented multi-instrumentalists, most of whom also contribute gorgeous vocals throughout. The band also tease their audience with some slightly reworked and extended introductions to familiar tunes, such as the rapturously received ‘Head Home’ which is saved for near the end of the evening. ‘Young Bride’ is arranged in a rockier fashion than on ‘Van Occupanther’ with its violin parts here becoming sliding electric guitar riffs.
Elsewhere, the immaculate ‘Branches’ brings a lump to the throat as Smith’s resigned voice laments that “we won’t get married, ‘cos she won’t have me.”
What is particularly remarkable about this gig is the conduct of the audience. By the time the halfway point has passed, there has unusually not been a single yelled song request or other major interjection. After the typically loud and passionate applause for each song dies down, there is a prolonged hush as the audience patiently await the band’s next, often after instruments and positions have been swapped around. It’s as though Midlake are genuinely revered by those watching and listening tonight. The band themselves acknowledge their reception by repeatedly describing the evening as “a special night” and drummer McKenzie Smith even videos the raucous appreciation shown to the band as they walk off-stage following their final song.
This was indeed a special night, hopefully to be repeated before another two years pass.
Chickenhawk are a Leeds four piece who sound as though they are completely enraged most of the time, making as they do a gloriously aggressive metal racket. more… “Chickenhawk”
Seasoned Eyes Were Beaming is the charming debut solo release by Sara Lov, erstwhile frontwoman of Los Angeles’ dream pop collective, Devics. more… “Sara Lov”
Manic Street Preachers are in Glasgow for the opening night of their tour supporting ninth studio album, ‘Journal For Plague Lovers’ which, as per current fashion dictates, they will play in full more… “Manic Street Preachers”
The Parlotones are apparently hugely popular in their native South Africa and now beginning to make inroads into Europe and elsewhere more… “The Parlotones”
‘A Due’ is the second album from one of Italy’s lesser known exports, Beatrice Antolini, and a mixed bag it is indeed (of styles, if nothing else) more… “Beatrice Antolini”