The day of this hotly anticipated sold out gig felt like a celebration of all things music related to Glasgow’s southside. An afternoon interviewing the (southside based) band Brenda, who have just announced the pre-orders for their debut album, in southside hostelry The Bell Jar, before moving on to southside venue The Rum Shack for what felt more like a party than a gig, celebrating the music of (southside) Glasgow legends bis.
This was the final date of their 2 date “tour” with Slime City and V.C.O., having played Edinburgh on the Friday night, so the gig was like a homecoming for the local heroes, the venue packed to the rafters with a passionately fervent sold out crowd eagerly awaiting the triumphant trio.
V.C.O.
Before the main attraction there was the, it has to be said, masterfully selected support line up, to be enjoyed, with V.C.O. more than capably opening proceedings with their dual guitar and synth/keyboard charge. This was my first experience of this band and it has more than whet my appetite for more. With dynamic double synth/keyboards from Ellie & Sarah blending with vibrant singing guitar lines from Josh and Jonjoe recalling the likes of 90’s indie band Tiger and current shining stars Diablofurs, their set was off to a striking start. Elsewhere in their set the guitars come to the fore with some vigorously powerful riffing, while all the while the powerhouse rhythm duo of Callum on bass and Ally on drums help create the bands impressively huge sound with rhythms that took on influences from funk to punk often with a bombastic feel which, when added to the edgy guitars and rich pulsating synths took me back to the 80s and the likes of electro rock pioneers like Gary Numan. Definitely ones to watch.
Slime City
So to the enigma that is Slime City. How do you explain this unequivocally unique band to the yet unconverted? Rising from the ashes of We Are the Physics, imagine a band led by a Richard Ayaode character, both in looks, but also in the darkly off the wall humour and you’re off to a good start. This trio somehow create a huge stage presence, and in doing so totally engage with the rapt crowd from the off. Their full on drive, and ability to create a visceral thrill factor with their high adrenaline rush of a show, hits you firmly in the solar plexus knocking the wind from you, leaving you breathless and energised for the duration. Carefully selected samples and FX, bolster the searing guitar riffs, sonorous bass and thunderous drums, and adding genuine grin along moments to proceedings – sampling “My Name is…” and replacing Slim Shady with their own name, an on-hold message as Michael preps between songs, a bit of “I’m Too Sexy”, and of course there is the ubiquitous appearance of special guest/fourth band member The Shoe!
Punny songs like Algorithm is a Dancer delighted the crowd, every song played was obviously packed full of humour, but in no way create a sense that Slime City is a comedy band, despite all the between song banter, songs like Dial Up Internet is the Purest Form of Internet, and their comment on the “name 5 songs” shaming of people wearing band t shirts, NASA T-Shirt, and ending their set with an apology. Songs like Less Jools Holland More Top of the Pops and You and Everyone You Love Will One Day Die have a remarkable complexity to them and all their songs despite, or probably because of, their elements of humour, have something to say and are all hugely addictive. Slime City have an album launch show in St Lukes on the 19th of May, be there or don’t, then regret your decision for eternity.
bis
The homecoming heroes finished the night in peerless fashion. John, Steven and Amanda throwing everything but the kitchen sink into their performance, Steven sensibly leaving the pink jumper at home this time after his unconsidered decision to wear it on their last outing in Glasgow. Just as well. I don’t know about anyone else, but I was certainly feeling the heat by the end of the night. The energy that emanated from the stage was more than matched by the energy radiating from the crowd. Band and fans feeding off of each other as the night escalated to fever pitch, a recognition of how much this band is loved by their fervent home city fans, and how much the songs mean to those of us gathered in that room. As a music fan of advancing years, I was surprised at just how agile I could still be at a gig, I honestly haven’t danced, bounced and pogoed that much in a long time. Testament to the spirit and intense vitality of the three shining stars on The Rum Shack stage creating such a joyous atmosphere and hypnotic entrancement with these much loved songs. I was convinced I would be suffering for it today, but I’m still feeling energised and youthful (for now).
Talking of youth, it was heartening to see a new generation of bis fans letting themselves go with the flow and throwing themselves in their entirety into enjoying the show. Add to that the fact that the newer songs from the last couple of albums can sit shoulder to shoulder with School Disco, Kill Yr Boyfriend and Kandy Pop and receive as rapturous a reception is validation that bis still have the x factor, the magnificence, and the ability to write a hook laden tune, stand up songs like Sound of a Heartbreak, Lucky Night and Shopping for Tattoos amongst others. One more pogo to Eurodisco before the end, or was it? No there was still some time for some Action and Drama, which pretty much wiped me out, but it was a welcome exhaustion, but also created a need for a cold pint and some fresh air… I probably didn’t need to catch the last train home, the buzz I was feeling could probably have allowed me to float home on the feeling of radiant spirit alone. Thank you bis. This is what live music is all about.
Gig of the year. Any year!
Nice write up and great photos too.