It was the end of a week/weekend where, for one reason or another I missed another couple of gigs that promised much… but so did Sunday night’s Sleazy Sessions in, where else but Nice n Sleazy on Sauchiehall Street, and I managed to make that one. This was a showcase for five artists/bands, but there were a couple in particular that caught my eye, two of my bright hopes for 2023, none other than the formidable Tina Sandwich, and the dynamic four piece that make up the awe-inspiring Junk Pups.
Emma Dunlop opened the night in impressive style, coming onstage just her and an acoustic guitar. But then she started singing. Jaw droppingly good. What a stunningly majestic voice Emma has. As she put the guitar down and sang the last two songs over a backing track I made a mental note to investigate further.
I’m not going to lie, my reason for attending was the two bands aforementioned. Don’t get me wrong though, it didn’t stop me enjoying the two bands bookending Tina Sandwich and Junk Pups. The Arctic Monkeys meets The Strokes sound of Northern Holiday before, and the revolving multi talented instrumentalist line up of Velvet after, both entertained and energised the Sunday night crowd in Sleazy’s.
For me though, it was the double whammy of Tina Sandwich and Junk Pups that stole the show. I’m not going to apologise for bumping my gums once more about these two bands, in my eyes, and to my ears, both deserve to receive massive acclaim and should be on a shooting ascent to superstardom. Both bands have uniquely endearing qualities, the sum of their parts creating an end product that is much more than just about the music, which to be honest would be enough in itself, the individual talents of each band member are there for the listener to revel in. But more than that, each band seems to have a unique collective personality that can only come from a group of people that really gel as a unit, completely attuned to each other and feeding almost telepathically from each others energy. Surely the addictively compelling music each band creates is a result of that natural coming together of the collective consciousness.
Both bands have two singles out, all of which were given an airing, Tina Sandwich with their pedal to the metal Fast Cars (& Movie Stars) and the party inducing Up All Night. While Junk Pups bookended their set with Front Yard Flamingo and the immense Miss Behave. And both bands played a cover which, in a way, helps to sum up each band. The Subways Rock n Roll Queen is the cover of choice for Tina Sandwich, their version has a raw energy to it that sums up the bands sound which feels like a punked-up Glasgow meets US East Coast attitude and drive. Talking of US East Coast, Junk Pups take on New York legends, Talking Heads, classic Psycho Killer. Their high octane, souped up, bass heavy version really channeling the art punk/funk/blues mash up that is their signature sound.
It is encouraging to note that the standards in the bands sets are being bolstered all the time by newer tracks that are really shaping each bands unique and hypnotic sounds. Medicine for me was a highlight in the set from Tina Sandwich, while two of the songs that really shone in Junk Pups set were the stupefyingly good and bluestastic Spoonfed and the magnificent Mortified.
While the bands have their collective sounds, and personalities, it would be remiss of me not to call out the supreme talents of each band member. T’s vocals for Tina Sandwich fuelled by an unabashed rock star attitude, while Junk Pups singer/guitarist Jack’s vocal never ceases to cause my brain to flip with his remarkable range and deeply resonant tone. Let’s hear it for the drummers, Tina’s Liam, a powerhouse of intense concentration, while Sophie exudes a nonchalant air of calm and confidence on the skins for Junk Pups. Then of course, bass players extraordinaire Morven (Tina Sandwich) who tonight portrays an effortless cool in keeping things tight and energetic, while Dylan (Junk Pups) struts their stuff exuding confidence that belies their years and a complexity in playing that has you transfixed. Stewart on keys/synths with Tina Sandwich looks like nothing could ever phase him. Then finally, Junk Pups guitar virtuosos Ishy and Jack gel seamlessly, never missing a note, perfectly formed riffs and licks complimenting each other effortlessly, while over in Tina land, Calvin not only loses himself in some searing & slick guitar lines, he could also play a mean part as big fight announcer…take an individual and collective bow every single one of you.
If there is any justice in this world, both bands will continue on a steep upwards trajectory, with promoters fighting to put them on. Hopefully that means you’ll all have plenty of opportunities to witness these exceptional bands.
Tina Sandwich – Bandcamp – twitter – Instagram
Junk Pups – linktree – Instagram – Facebook