An ideal outing for ecleticists, the range of bands performing at the GRV was so wide and varied that had a bluegrass trio taken to the stage at some point during the evening nobody would have batted an eye.
However it was clear that that would have put an extra strain on a gig that was already wildly short on time by the time supposed headliners Midas Fall took to the stage, left with 15 minutes to play before curfew.
Openers the Fortunate Sons played rousing heavily blues influenced rock with precision and an excellently observed discipline for the style of music. At the end of their set they announced they had to go to Glasgow to play another gig that evening. James Brown, yer tea’s out.
Sol have none of the sunny disposition implied by name, playing textbook alt-rock with extra emphasis on guitar harmony and an appreciable fondness for pop melodies, like a depressed Byrds. Vocalist Rory Butler occassionally sparks memories of some less famous Alien Ant Farm songs, a good way to reconnect with your youth.
Second to last act Outback Eskimos are immediately noticeable for having what appears to be a giant on guitar. They are hardly the most innovative band but are obviously talented song-writers capable of creating professional, assured music.
Midas Fall finally take to the stage with just a quarter of an hour til close, the band are clearly frustrated at this and sustained difficulties in setting up don’t help much. They still manage to play three songs in this time and are instantly captivating with their opening piece, producing an atmospheric, enjoyable display despite the complications.