The album launch for the third Filthy Tongues long player ‘In These Dark Places’, the gig was also under the Celtic Connections banner – “well, one tune sounds a bit folky” quipped Filthies frontman Martin Metcalfe wryly between songs.
It was actually quite fortunate the gig went ahead at all, as a great swathe of Glasgow was at this point without water due to the mains burst to the north of the city. Some of the footage resembled scenes from a disaster movie – ‘Tsunami in Milngavie’ is one possible title… Anyway, Oran Mor has water tanks so the toilets etc do not draw straight from the mains supply, so we were okay for at least a few hours… (pretends to sound knowledgeable about plumbing and fails to convince…).
Original second support act The Countess of Fife had to cancel her appearance due to ill health (get well soon Fay…!) so first up was an extended set from Glasgow’s Hedrons, with tunes from both their albums and a swampy sound which really suited the venue. With lead vocalist/guitarist Tippi leading the charge, the all-female four-piece rocked the crypt (it is a crypt isn’t it?) and quite possibly won over some new fans as well. Opener ‘Stop, Look and Listen’ certainly blasted the cobwebs while BM’s personal faves were probably ‘Human’ and current album title track ‘One More Won’t Kill Us’ – indeed ladies, hopefully it won’t!
The Filthy Tongues had played a few gigs in 2022 but this was the first one in a series which will take them around Scotland and beyond. As they emerged from the gloom tonight it was clear that Metcalfe and co meant serious business, with opening almost-instrumental ‘Nae Tongues’ being played at throbbing volume in almost total darkness.
It was the first of a 13-song set which broke the venue’s 10pm curfew by quite some minutes. Souped-up further with additional guitarist Alex and percussionist Asul, the crucial three of Metcalfe, Wilson and Kelly stormed through a selection from all three of their album releases along with the traditional Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie cover ‘Crew Cut’. The usual chemistry recalled and again channelled Bowie, Cave, Cramps, garage and goth with some other satanic DNA or alchemy thrown in that makes this combo one of Scotland’s very best.
Several of the ‘new’ tracks had been played before (previous singles ‘Gas Mask Blues’ and ‘Pandemic Pete’) – however, others such as ‘Hang My Head’ and the title track ‘In These Dark Places’ were making their live debuts and were as dark and dangerous as anything they have produced to date.
Martin did allow himself a few ‘thankyous’ and a couple of quips over the abiding air of menace and doom, while the encore brought another new track ‘Tricky Nicky’ (with a run-out chorus ‘What the F===!’) and closer ‘Bowhead Saint’, as surreally grim as ever, brought the night to a close amid much applause and thankyous.
BM’s advice – make sure you see them this year, it just doesn’t get any better.
(Photos: Chris Hogge)