12/02/2020 - Explosions in the Sky @ Royal concert hall, Glasgow

Every year for our birthday, my brother and I choose a gig to go to together.  The past few years we have seen acts such as Death Cab for Cutie, The GRIT Orchestra and Twin Atlantic.  We have always had a fair degree of crossover in our musical tastes so picking a gig that suits both of us is never really a problem.  This year we chose Explosions in the Sky.  The last time we saw them was November 2005 at the ABC 2 so nearly 15 years ago. They were supporting an act called Four tet who were much different to them.  

I was a bit surprised when they annonced that they were playing the Royal Concert Hall. The first reason being I didnt think they were that big and the second reason being I don't really see them as a band you sit down to.  I think I was partly right with my first point.  The main seating area in the middle was pretty much sold out. But round the sides and in the top section there were plenty of seats. But I did think there was enough people there to warrent playing there.  Also it was quite nice to get a seat for a change so not really complaining on either account!

The support tonight was by A.A Williams.  A singer songwriter from London.  It was just her and her piano and she also had a bassist with her.  She had a half an hour set which was quite slow, dreamy, relaxing sort of music.   To be honest, although I found it quite relaxing listening to it. It wasn't really my sort of thing and I won't be following up on this one.

Then it was time for Explosions in the Sky.  They came on and one of the guitarists gave a breif introduction about the bands history with giging in Glasgow and thanking the fans for coming out to see them all these years. And that this was their 20th year as a band and this anniversary tour was to celebrate that.  This was actually to be the last time the microphones were used by the band apart from to say thank you at the end.  

This is because Explosions in the Sky are a Post rock band which basically means rock music without singing.  It took me a few songs to get into it as I have not listened to their music in years.  But once I got into this I was captivated.  They are such a tight band and you can tell they have been playing with each other for years.  

One thing you do at gigs is you often focus on the lead singer. He is the one who really connects with the crowd.  Sometimes during this gig you didnt know where to look. But they did this swaying action while playing their guitars so at least they weren't static.  All in all they played 11 tracks which were spread pretty much equally over 5 albums.  What I loved about this the most is when they reached points when playing where it just felt like a wall of noise.  As I say completley captivating stuff.

9/2/2020 - Starset @ The Garage, Glasgow

I was meant to go to this gig with Campbell but unforetunately Storm Ciara wrecked havoc and they trains were screwed and there was no gurantee even if he got there he would get home ok. Luckily I had enough time to source a replacment gig buddy for the evening and my Dad stepped up to the mark.  Something about gigs I just dont see it as an activity you do yourself, even though most of the evening is spent appreciating the music.  I still prefer talking to someone during the in between bits.

Anyway we got to the venue about 7.15 as doors opened at 7pm.  There was actually quite a big queue but we got in, in plenty of time.  One thing I was a bit surprised about was that there was no support.  But the tickets were fairly cheap at £18 and they have been around a while now so can play longer than bands in their infancy. 

They came on about 8pm and burst into "Manifest" off their third and current album "Divisions". In fact nearly half the set tonight was focused on that album. Showing a band that have faith in their new material.  Personally I think its a great album and stands shoulder to shoulder with the other 2 albums. 

In terms of live performance Starset really are a great band to watch.  With Singer, gutarist, bassist, drummer and then violinist and cellist.  They are such a dynamic rock band who have carved their own unique blend of cinematic rock.  On the screen you have video accompinants to the songs. Some songs its just film of them playing currently but others are intreging videos.  None more so than half way through the set where they left the stage for a time and played a sciency video which I'm sure some people in the audience understood but it did seem quite complicated.  When they came back out they were all changed in terms of outfits -  the gutarist and bassist donned spacesuits while the women changed into dresses. 

I still remember when I first saw Starset a couple of years ago supporting Shinedown and was blown away.  This was slightly different as I knew what to expect.  The surprise element of last time wasnt there. But I tell you what was there. The full Starset experience.  This is a band that put on a show and go to lengths to make it feel like you are experiencing something that is not like any other band you will go and see.  And for that I really appreciate the effort they put in and for coming over from America to our shores.  And "My Demon" probably is still their best song - the crowd did know most of the songs tonight but they really went for it with "My demon". It was tremendous.

05/02/2020 - Those Damn Crows @ Cathouse, Glasgow

For the last few years I haven't been to any, what you would consider, small gigs.  It's either been the Hydro, Academy, Braehead arena or the trip down south to the Etihad stadium.  Campbell only introdcued me to Those Damn Crows a month ago after he told me they were playing Glasgow. I took one listen and was eager to get along and see these guys.  And we were lucky to get tickets too. Originally the Crows were meant to play the Attic bar in the Garage but due to demand got upgraded to the Cathouse.  Campbell thankfully managed to snap up the tickets before they were sold out.

There were two supports tonight. First up was Tribeless from South Wales who consisted of a female singer, a guitarist and a drummer who fused together to produce some good rocking tunes.  The singer, Lydia McDonald gracefully moved about the stage connecting with the crowd.  I think they said this was actually their first tour and it wouldnt have surprised me as they seemed very young. I say very young but thats probably 18-20 sort of age - I m just getting old!  But for a band that sort of age does seem like they are still at the beginning of their journey. 

Next up was Florence Black - another band from Wales and in fact all 3 bands were from the same area and knew each other prior to going on tour together.  This was another 3 piece with the difference being the singer also played guitar and there was a bassist as well as a drummer.  It felt like Florence Black were a bit further down the road in terms of progression in their music than Tribeless, hence the higher billing.  These guys are actually headlining a few of the smaller festivals in the UK.  And from their set tonight you can see why. They are a passionate rock band who really gave it their all.  But I would say that about all 3 bands tonight.  One thing I was thinking during this set is just so hard to breakthrough in the rock genre these days as they market is so flooded with rock bands.  You really need something to stand out.  The fact Tribeless has a female singer who can sing does put them at an advantage.  Florence Black seem to be creating a path for themselves but I wonder how they are going to get to the next level now.

Then on come Those Damn Crows. By the time they came on the place was packed and the crowd was absolutley buzzing for them.  They played a mixture from their first album and at that point the soon to be released "Point of no return" album.  Like the other 2 bands tonight they went all out. But there is something different about this band.  The songs they have just feel like they are at that next level.  They seem to be making a breakthrough with this new album which I think is half down to being with a bigger record label. The reason I say this is that the quality of output from the 2 albums I couldn't tell between them.  They had an absolute blast and it seemed like the crowd already knew most of the songs which added to the atmosphere.  I was wondering if they were going to play "Never win" off the new album as it is a piano led track. And not only did they do it but they also did a special piano edition of another classic track "Blink of an eye" which is off the first album.

I think if one thing that is clear from tonight it is that Rock and roll ain't dead.  But it may be a saturated market.  Those Damn crows have got themselves a fan.  Next time I see them though I dont think the ticket will cost £12!