Duncan Reid and the Big Heads at Scotland Calling

Scotland Calling 2019 – a rambling review (of sorts)

April 29, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Having been to every Scotland Calling since its inception, tickets were duly purchased 12 months in advance for this year’s event before really looking at who was on the bill. It may sound strange to say but largely, it hasn’t mattered in years gone by. Not to say that it doesn’t matter at all, obviously the bill will switch off and turn on different people accordingly and of course, being a fan of live music, it is always great to see be at a gig. But for me, Scotland Calling has become an annual day out spent with two of my closest pals.… Read the rest

The Lee Harveys, Reaction and Fire Exit – Glasgow Audio

February 24, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Party Cities

Glasgow and Dublin are famed for their music heritage and the love of a good party, the two came together in fine form last night in an evening not to be forgotten.

The date – 23^rd February 2019, the venue – Audio in Glasgow, the bands – Reaction, Fire Exit and The Lee Harveys. Just an average Saturday gig night in the city with my best mate? Not a chance.

Something was afoot, the planets somehow aligning bringing everything together in harmonious union. This wasn’t just your average gig, this was a celebration. The atmosphere was euphoric throughout, one which started with eager anticipation and ended with enraptured and slightly merry exhilaration.… Read the rest

The Ginger Quiff – Goodbye 2018

December 29, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

It is that time again…

Yes, it is that time again. Time to reflect on the year gone by as we approach the end of 2018.

In terms of music, I think you could say it was an up and down year.

On the plus side, the year that confirmed to me that while the charts are filled with artists who release/stream “tracks”, and in the last few days, HMV have announced they are in trouble again, the album is still hanging on in there and vinyl continues to make a revival. There have been some tremendous albums released in the past 12 months, several of which I have had the pleasure of reviewing here or for Louder Than War, but probably an equal number that I have loved but for one reason or the other, never got around to reviewing.… Read the rest

Tarbeach Records – NYC Record Label

October 30, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

Tarbeach Records

Over the years, there have been a number of essential record labels with Scottish roots that have given rise to some unforgettable bands and their music.

The list is massive but everyone must be familiar with at least one of these:

Postcard (Orange Juice, Josef K, Aztec Camera)
Creation (Oasis, Ride, Primal Scream, Jesus and Mary Chain, House of Love)
Creeping Bent (Vic Godard, Secret Goldfish, Alan Vega)
Chemikal Underground (Mogwai, The Delgados, Malcolm Middleton, Arab Strap)

And that is just scraping the surface.

Scottish Roots

Add a new one to that list – Tarbeach Records. Although NYC based, the label has Scottish roots and a number of Scottish bands on their release list.… Read the rest

Kiss This Tarbeach NYC in Glasgow – Review

September 10, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

I’m not long back from attending “Kiss This” in Broadcast and a huge thanks needs to go out to all involved. What a brilliant night.

I had been looking forward to seeing the 3 bands together for a while and none of them disappointed.

The warnings were out in advance all over social media – the gig was a sell-out, returns only and the first band would be on PROMPT at 8pm as it was an early curfew.

Sure enough, and true to the word, as I arrived at the venue with my mate, there was a queue of people waiting to pick up their tickets and the first band were already on.… Read the rest

Heavy Drapes – De Liberate speaks…

September 4, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

Heavy Drapes

I’ve been banging on about Heavy Drapes for some time now. Recently things have really started going stellar for the band. They are one of the most talked about bands on the punk scene.

The band has very definite ideas, knows exactly where it wants to be. Important it has the tunes and the image that live up to those ideas. Lead singer De Liberate’s swagger and confidence is not unfounded.

Having seen the band on a number of occasions in the last couple of years, they never fail to disappoint. Heavy Drapes have a tight sophisticated sound that doffs its cap to the classic punk 76-78 era.… Read the rest