Described as a “music conference”, this year’s edition seemed to involve somewhat more live music BM has attended this event before, although the memory is a bit hazy.
Arriving around 2.30pm having missed the various morning options BM attended a panel discussion about the nighttime economy chaired by venue operator Donald MacLeod and drifted between a couple of events in the late afternoon slot (wireless headphones were issued to attendees with several channel options to reduce the soundbleed as sessions in opposite arches happened concurrently.
It was also a chance to re-explore the former Arches building (i.e. not the long-established Platform venue in Easterhouse, just to be clear). Currently the subject of change of operator rumours it is about to recommence some DJ-helmed events for the first time a quite a long time (BM was in for the Stereo MCs gig a couple of years ago but seems to have been very much the exception, until now mainly hosting food and corporate events).
After a keynote speech given by Sharleen Spiteri (some bits about her early career were quite funny and she kept it real…) the first live music was a short set by Glasgow “veterans” Gun. They played some rocking new material plus a run through “hit” ‘Better Days’ and it certainly blew away a few cobwebs in Arch 4 with some hardcore followers taking it in. The band seemed pretty chuffed as well and trailed their “coming up soon” Barrowland date.
Further entertainment in Arch 4 was provided by John Rush, who after a technical hitch or two gave acoustic renditions of several of his somewhat Dylan-esque numbers, and was in great voice.
Arch 6 then became the focus of BM’s attention with a great performance by Queen of Harps, who will hopefully get the full review treatment at the SAMAs where she is playing on Friday 1st December.
Neverfine put in a very good shift in Arch 6 with a 5-track set starting with ‘Alive’ and finishing with ‘Voices’. A three-piece outfit very much channelling Chvrches via Depeche Mode and other 80s influences, frontperson Ashley’s voice and attitude definitely stood out and BM now understands why there’s a bit of a buzz around them.
There was some pretty tasty sounding DJ action going on in Arch 4 (testpress BM thinks, who bore some comparisons with Slam maybe…) then BM was back at Arch 6 for The Big Day. Having seen them a couple of times already this year BM expected a similar set, but by the sound of things there have been a few changes. Maybe it was just how it came across but there was definitely more muscular funk than Killers-esque indie to these ears, and tracks like ‘Back to Business’ really ramped up the drums and bass in this four track set – impressive and attention-catching.
Last act seen of the evening was Psweatpants, another new artist for BM – a great performance from this male/female duo, combining singing/rapping and some great electronic beats and backing.
So apologies for the rather cursory reviews but the sheer variety of acts performing over the course of the day made the ticket price well worth it, and even for people who are not captains of the music industry or record label moguls, the panels and other events were varied and worth a look – BM hopes to be back next year!
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