The Flying Duck is a somewhat underrated Glasgow venue, not used all that much for gigs and it looked as if the main bar/restaurant was actually shut tonight. The gig venue room was however quite full as BM arrived in the middle of AI Lover’s set, and what a great racket it was. Hunched over a table with some barely visible electronic equipment, the LA native conjured up an incredible array of beats, sonic effects, synth progressions and samples – a kind of doomy take on techno that referenced DJ Shadow and to BM’s ears had a bit in common with vintage Blanck Mass. Loud, uncompromising and very original, if a bit out of the comfort zone of some of the audience maybe, it was a greater opener for the main act.
Since BM last saw Helicon a few months ago they have been gigging down south and in Europe – this hometown gig saw them in top form with the recent lineup changes bedding in very well – currently an eight member lineup. New face Declan Welsh gave bass while other addition Anna lent some great vocals and percussion to the sound.
Mostly it was a trip through familiar territory but there was one brand new song, maybe a slight departure from previous material with a rousing chorus yelled by JP, Anna and Declan. Graham’s sitar was frequently deployed and the overall soundmix was ear-splitting but bang on. Highlights for BM were probably tracks from most recent album ‘God Intentions’ but also the looping riff of ‘Permo’, which may be their best effort yet at nailing that moment where ’60s psychedelia meets post-hardcore riffage – they may not have another Glasgow gig this year but BM strongly advises catching this combo live at every opportunity.