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!
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