Angil and Hiddntracks / Aidan John Moffat / De Rosa

Glasgow SWG3

Picture, if you will, a scene from countless horror movies in which an innocent young couple wanders naively into a dark and creepy alleyway in search of fun.
On one side are huge railway arches and on the other a wasteland heading towards the backs of blocks of flats.
That’s what the journey to tonight’s venue is like – just a little terrifying.
But luckily, there is a light at the end of the road and in that light is a man holding a trombone, which is definitely a good sign.

Inside the good people of Chemikal Underground records have put on a feast for both the ears and the stomach (free marshmallows and fudge).
The night begins with De Rosa – or rather, singer Martin Henry’s solo acoustic set.
With just a guitar and his soft burr of vocals, the stripped-down but eloquent delivery shows the strength of their songs.

Things carry along nicely with Aidan John Moffat who admits from the beginning that he “can’t play any fucking instruments” and hasn’t had time to rehearse.
Despite that his musings on love, life and even ghosthunters are as entertaining as ever and his audience patter keeps the crowds laughing.

The main attraction, though, is Angil and the Hiddntracks – all the way, as lead man Mickael Mottet explains, from St Tinn in France.
It’s their first Glasgow show but from the warm welcome it’s obvious that they already have a few fans locally.
Brand new tracks pepper a set of tunes from Oulipo Saliva – out on Chemikal in November, hence tonight’s celebrations.
The band starts out ever-so-quietly with tinkly xylophone and breathy vocals but soon build themselves up in to a walloping noise.
Some of the songs could almost pass for lounge music – but in good way – while others stomp along joyously with almost an oom-pah-pah.
The set closer builds to a huge crashing combination of drums, trombone, violin, guitar, double bass and whatever else they fancy chucking into the mix.
It would be deeply surprising if the band hasn’t picked up a few more supporters from a set like that – despite competing with the “I prefer the sound of my own voice” lot stood over at the bar.

So thanks for finally visiting Angil – and please, come back soon.

Travis

Glasgow ABC

 Watching Travis live is hilarious, and not only because Fran Healy appears to be performing dressed as Inspector Gadget tonight (hat and coat – no actual gadgets, sadly).

ReLoaded

Stirling Tolbooth

Ever since Stirling’s Tolbooth reopened as a venue for music and the arts it has held regular showcase gigs, giving local bands a platform to show what they are made of.
More recently pairing the local talents with some of Scotland’s finest indie – alternative – underground bands. more… “ReLoaded”

Zoey Van Goey / The Starlets / John B McKenna

Glasgow 13th Note

“Eh, I’m quite drunk”. So declares John B McKenna, offering a somewhat unnecessary disclaimer to his appreciative audience. If McKenna was to be judged solely on his appearance and verbose lyricism, the verdict would surely be something along the lines of ‘tortured artist type’. But his frequent and charming between-song banter (including a plug of his demo cd followed by, “I only made six though”) reveals an unjustifiably modest and endearingly unpretentious demeanour.
more… “Zoey Van Goey / The Starlets / John B McKenna”

Bon Iver

Edinburgh Queen’s Hall

I am well aware that my entire remit as a writer for Is This Music? is to go and watch bands and then summarise the performance in a couple of hundred words, but I must confess I’m at a loss when it comes to conveying just how incredible this performance was. more… “Bon Iver”

Michael Franti / Spearhead

Edinburgh Liquid Room

The joke has been made before I’m sure, but the Liquid Room gets its name from the sweat that generates from the occupants on a warm summer night. Always a ‘cosy’ venue, the intimate setting for larger capacity shows goes off the scale when the warmth that an artist like Michael Franti generates. more… “Michael Franti / Spearhead”

Hydro Connect

Inveraray Castle

The Hydro Connect Festival, set amongst the inspiring rolling hills and lochs of Argyshire with the stunning backdrop of Inveraray Castle, is now in its second year, billed as an alternative to T in the Park – a so called boutique festival brought to you by DF Concerts, supposedly aimed at a slightly older more discerning festival goer. more… “Hydro Connect”