Doug Johnstone usually plies his trade in alt-folk types Northern Alliance, but for the purposes of tonight it’s just him and his acoustic guitar. In addition to his musical escapades Johnstone is also an author. His recent book ‘The Ossians’ charted the fortunes of the eponymous fictional Scottish band, and tonight Johnstone plays songs he wrote for his creations. A bit confusing, perhaps, but you don’t have to have read the book to appreciate Johnstone’s songwriting. ‘My Evil Twin’ is a quality blast of slacker indie, and ‘St. Andrews Day’ is a pleasing exploration of Scottish psyche. The Ossians may only exist in Johnstone’s head, but he does a pretty good job of channeling their spirit.
Next up is Smackvan, who are something of an enigma. Their debut single was released around a decade ago on a label created by Belle and Sebastian’s manager especially for that purpose and they hardly ever gig, which makes tonight’s appearance at The Note feel that extra bit special. Let’s just say you wouldn’t stick their music on at a party. It’s dark, downbeat, introverted stuff, with mournful guitar arpeggios combining with affecting vocals. Yes, the mood is bleak and subdued for the most part, but through the darkness the band creates some sublime moments.
The new Le Reno Amps album ‘Tear It Open’ is an exuberant blast of rockabilly punk which really comes into its own live. The band clearly know how to have a good time onstage and throw themselves into their performance with reckless abandon. There’s also a sense of playfulness about the band- on ‘Outsiders’ they pause for what seems like ages before launching back into the song with gusto. Songs like ‘You Do Your Thing’ and ‘Going Under’ show that the songwriting partnership of Scott Maple and Al Nero know their way round a killer hook and a catchy riff. Not only that, but they have a commanding stage presence that grabs you by the scruff of the neck and refuses to let go until the end of the set. Le Reno Amps do indeed tear up the stage tonight, much to the delight of the 13th Note punters.