Back for a one off gig after just shy of six years are one of Glasgow’s most-missed acts, and formerly one of the bands most likely to: alt/post/math(s) rock rascals, Eska.
The atmosphere is thick by the time the band casually amble onstage to be greeted by an excited, packed Stereo audience. Looking an altogether unassuming bunch, the heroes’ welcome is explained by the fervently partisan crowd, and by the excessive break since Eska’s last appearance.
Opening with ‘The Case Wrapped Up,’ the seemingly imperturbable Chris Mack hunches slightly over his mic, to deliver his calm, coffee-smooth vocals. The song is something of a slow-burner, but very familiar and warmly received by the audience.
Swiftly following is ‘ESP Does Work’ from debut album ‘Invent the Fortune.’ It feels like they’ve never been away as they deliver dissonant vocals, dual-attack guitars, harmonies and alternating time signatures which in other hands might make up half an album of material.
Even unissued tracks can be greeted rapturously, such as lost classic ‘City Survival Suit’ from Eska’s still uncompleted second album. It begins with creeping, measured but menacing guitars, morphs into a jazzy interlude before unleashing crashing metal riffs which have many heads nodding in unison.
Having been on hiatus for far too long, frontman Colin Kearney apologises for a roughness-around-the-edges imperceptible to those of us watching the band from beneath the stage. Behind the two guitars, the machine gun drumming and strident bass are solid as ever.
Joint highlights are the deployment of two heavyweights in one sweetly connecting power-punch. Album opener ‘Goodbye To Victories,’ which if anything, sounds crisper, heavier, and better here than its recorded version, leads immediately into fan-favourite ‘Hypnotism Act 1952’ a meandering but mesmerising blend of brooding minor chords and abrupt metal fury.
The final track is the part laid-back stroll, part psych-freak out of ‘The Unbelievable Snow of 1999’. There is no encore, but there remains a huge appreciation and appetite for this band, and fans will hope that this isn’t the finalé. Given the strength of this performance and the potential this band have always had, their case clearly remains, one of unfinished business.