De Rosa’s visits to the Capital have been plagued by technical problems. Last time I reviewed them a faulty microphone was the culprit, demolishing an otherwise excellent rendition of new single ‘Evelyn’. Tonight it’s a broken string that trips them up more… “Arab Strap / De Rosa”
Uncle John & Whitelock are dead. The Last Rites have been read and all that remains is a bludgeoned corpse seeking absolution in the ceremonious funeral procession preceding December’s burial at King Tuts. But before Auld Reekie inhales the band’s Dirty South stench one final time, tonight’s sonic pallbearers pay tribute to the memory of their departed friends more… “Uncle John & Whitelock”
On a rather wet and unpleasant evening, the role of first support slot is not one to be envied, so Paul Alexander had a tough job on his hands. Thankfully, Paul’s slow and melancholic musical air merged well with the dark night more… “Evan Crichton / Beerjacket / Paul Alexander”
New York anti-folk hero Jeffrey Lewis turns 31 tonight. Although he’s had much critical acclaim, his lyrics at times deal with self-doubts regarding his worth as a musician. Luckily the reception he gets tonight, as he marks the end of another year, is ample confirmation that he’s on the right path more… “The Jeffrey Lewis Band / Misty’s Big Adventure”
On a rather wet and unpleasant evening, the role of first support slot is not one to be envied, so Paul Alexander had a tough job on his hands. Thankfully, Paul’s slow and melancholic musical air merged well with the dark night, easing the crowd into the evening nicely more… “Evan Crichton / Beerjacket / Paul Alexander”
It looks as if the rock-dance beats and frenzied glo-stick waving of Nu-Rave have finally found their way to Edinburgh. The local papers might still be attempting to drum up public indignation over ‘`illegal raves’ in the capital’s old railway tunnels more… “The Sunshine Underground”
From the dusk-red haze clambering above the full-capacity mass gathered tonight come forth four figures. They look not dissimilar to the guy you just saw downing shots at the bar, all clad in retro Adidas get-up and t-shirts so bright they’re usually custom made for spotting roadside workies at 4am. A tooth-trembling bass rumbles across the venue and an ear-piercing shriek is ignited. Lights. Cowbell.� Action! more… “The Sunshine Underground”
‘`Pick up that guitar and play! Just play! Play that rock ‘`n’ roll for me’`, sings Kweller on set opener, ‘`Penny on the Train Track’. Taking some of his own advice for the next hour and a half. Kweller bounces around the stage with such enthusiasm and energy you can’t help but feel the exhilaration sweeping across the crowd more… “Ben Kweller”
There aren’t many unsigned bands who could pull off a successful ‘`evening with’ style show but this is exactly what Glasgow natives Logan did in a very special performance in front of a hometown audience. Drawing on material from all three of their albums, they started off with a truly amazing acoustic set whereby they took the opportunity to perform tracks that rarely make into their current live shows more… “Logan”
Under a fountain of Technicolor party balloons being popped and pung around like an Aero Roadshow we notice an ensemble of Pixies and Santa-costumed stage dwellers, then from out of the dusky red smoke comes the bubble more… “Flaming Lips”