Monday night at the Hug and Pint
Last week my working week was due to be bookended by two gigs, Monday night in the Hug and Pint and Friday night in Nice ‘n’ Sleazy. As things transpired, there was a very different outcome to the end of the week than first expected, encompassing the highs and lows of the Glasgow live music scene from the perspectives of both music fan and performers.
My third gig in as many weeks in The Hug and Pint, and a realisation that perhaps I was out too much when the barman pre-empted my drink order when I approached the upstairs bar.
I headed downstairs and quietly entered the venue as Bobby Kakouris was already on stage, playing their delicately understated songs. Just them and their acoustic guitar. This was Bobby’s first gig back since lockdown and it appeared the stress of the evening took over, Bobby was overcome with emotion and had to leave the stage. The empathetic crowd in the Hug and Pint showed their appreciation in the only way they could with a warm round of applause.
I had commented only last week when I’d seen Jodie Rae performing live how brave it is being a solo performer, just you and an acoustic guitar, often lyrically laying yourself open. The stage can be a lonely place. I hope Bobby was alright after they’d had time to reflect and can come back stronger next time.
The Wife Guys of Reddit
Having seen The Just Joans in the same venue only the week before, it was the turn of their keyboard player Arion to step out from behind the keyboard and pick up his guitar with The Wife Guys of Reddit. Bedecked in green, the four band members appeared on stage ninja style as the four Teenage Mutant Turtles and burst into life with the lead track from their recent Wet and Tired EP, the superb Jangled Up in Blue. What followed was a mesmerising set of, what I’m going to describe as songs akin to those of the Pixies in their stylings. Arion and Niamh (fittingly on bass) playing the parts of Black Frances and Kim Deal, as they shared vocal duties and blasted through their selection of their own loudQUIETloud songs, including a particularly memorable performance of ’66.
The band closed their set in style with a frantically energetic rattle through Hardtack, the closing song on the Wet & Tired EP and the track from whence it got its name. Get along to see this band if you can, there are plenty of opportunities coming up in November.
The Wife Guys of Reddit – Bandcamp
Hanya
My thought process may be different to that of folk going to other gigs, as I will attend many gigs purely because of the support bands… but unlike some in other situations who don’t actually bother to turn up for the support band as they don’t know them, that is the very reason I stay for other bands – BECAUSE I don’t know them. As such, headliners, Hanya, were a “new to me” band and I was intrigued to hear what they had to offer, having just listened to a couple of their songs on the way to the venue. Their set was a gratifying blend of riffy shoegaze guitars, a couple of songs bringing to mind Readings late 80’s/early 90s should have been huge indie rockers The Heartthrobs, and synth infused dream pop, all underlined with a hypnotic rhythm section.
The audience lapped it up, included Heather’s corny jokes, despite the groans from the rest of the band, baying for an encore for which the band seemed genuinely surprised having played all their songs during their set. I’m sure they’ll be back.
Beldina Odenyo Onassis – Heir of the Cursed – Rest in Power
At the end of the week, I was due to see Rev Magnetic and Heir of the Cursed in Nice n Sleazy. While at work, on Friday afternoon, I received a notification saying the gig was cancelled. Making the assumption that it was COVID related, I posted a nonchalant reply saying I hoped everyone was alright.
It was only on Sunday evening when I read a post on Facebook did the tragic news behind the true reason for the last minute cancellation come to light. The Scottish music scene is now mourning one of its bright and shining hopes whose star was in the ascendency. Beldina and her nom de plume, Heir of the Cursed had recently impressed those attending the SAY Awards with what, from all accounts, was a stunning performance, and had also recently announced a gig at the Drygate as part of Celtic Connections in January. Rest in Power Beldina.
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