If you’re from Glasgow, then you’ll know all about the swarming music scene it is host to and the dozens of gigs that occur every night. On this night, in this venue, we have Brother Louis Collective to fill the spotlight. Musically, they entice listeners with a mixture of soulful harmonies and boppable beats from both drums and guitar. Armed with fellow bands Three Blocks From The Wake and We Break Mirrors, they’re invading Glasgow city centre venue Nice ‘n’ Sleazys.
First up are trio We Break Mirrors. Vocalist Finn sets the mood by opening with a humorous but apologetic “if people start talking then it’s game over for us, really”. With this said the crowd settle down to hear the band play a very thought-provoking and inspiring set done through the vehicles of guitar, violin and vocals. Being their first ever proper gig, they perform an impressive set. Musically it’s very minimal, with no drums or bass-like instrument to overpower the melodies and pretty guitar riffs. The violin accompaniment blends in nicely with the tone they set and works to emphasise the pauses in vocals. Both singers keep their vocal volume low in keeping with the instrument pieces, which works to make their songs that little bit more intriguing. The crowd seems unable to break the silence even between songs; as such a respectful mood has encapsulated the room.
With cheers and whoops a-plenty, they depart the stage. The small break allows for impressed chatter to slowly fill the venue and cushion Three Block’s entrance.
As this next trio begin their set, it becomes obvious they have a similar mood to their music as the previous band. They engage with the audience using minimalist-electro music as their weapon, and play an array of songs from their soon-to-be-recorded album. A good mixture of slightly rocky and slightly more subdued tunes were played with all members giving a compelling vibe with their subtle nods and sways. The computer-programmed drums kept the songs flowing and front woman Vicki’s Scottish accent shined through as a poignant point for the band. The watching crowd were more chatty during this set, which lifted the atmosphere to be slightly more upbeat compared to the sheer silence of the one previous.
This change in atmosphere worked really well as the band finish their set and leave the room to entertain itself. More people shuffle to the front in anticipation of Brother Louis Collective and a few members of the band start setting up.
Now, Brother Louis Collective perform an awe-inspiring set comprising of some of their well-known tunes and others not-so well-known. The band play in flawless synchronisation and, as with Three Blocks, the individuals on stage get a good vibe going with their movements and smiles. Utilising the flute and clarinet in their possession brings an innocent and honest feeling to the songs. They’re just across the line into the ‘danceable’ category, but are kept at this border with significant and meaningful lyrics pulling it back towards the more sophisticated, mellow definition. The songs Squealing Pigs and These Barren Years are the noticeable ones for being slightly more with-beat and using differing instrumental use.
As the set finishes and the staff start shouting that “downstairs is closed now guys”, the crowd meander upstairs to debrief on the music they’ve heard. Good venue. Good mix of bands. Good atmosphere. All three bands don’t fail to impress for different reasons, but Brother Louis Collective excel. I’d keep an eye on these guys if I were you.