Sometimes the planets align to create to what, for all intent and purpose, is a perfect night. Some knuckle dragging morons celebrate the date of this gig for what can only be described as their own brain dead reasons, however, the lucky gathering in one of Glasgow’s best venues, The Hug and Pint, had much more of a reason to celebrate in the presence of legendary riot grrrl punks, the wonderful Lungleg and the prime proponents of their unique brand of darkly humorous gore, the one and only Curdle, coming together in the presence of a fervent home crowd to create an electric atmosphere from the off.
From the get go it felt like there was an air of celebration, bumping into my two favourite music photographers Stuart and Chris, and chatting briefly to Annie, Jane and Clare before the gig there was an expectancy and a real buzz about the place, both from punters and bands alike.
It had been a while since I’d last seen Curdle, it may well have been in the self same venue, but regardless of the gap, they never disappoint. From their menacing demand “give me your fucking phone number” through to ode to the love between pathologist and corpse, Red to the Elbows, via their tribute to the tragic Rose Connolly (subject of The Everly Bothers Down in the Willow Garden) they impressed as ever. Dark pulsating bass lines, blood curdling screams and thunderous drumming closed their set in style on Bring Up Red. I’m also now intrigued as to what the “Lungleg are…” graffiti on the pavement said before it was resurfaced…
As for Lungleg, it’s an absolute joy to have them back playing live again since their return to performing in the Classic Grand at the end of last year, something I probably would never have imagined would happen, but now they’re back and writing new music too, it’s a cause for great celebration. With Annie and Jane joined by Simone, Paul and Hando (part of the Watermachine mafia infiltrating the Glasgow music scene…) the current line up continue to wave the flag for the riot grrrl movement and must surely have influenced and have definitely (and defiantly) paved the way for a large contingent of the bands on the burgeoning Glasgow music scene today. Including, of course tonight’s illustrious support band…Mucho respectos must go out to all the bands line ups current and past.
The set was bursting at the seams with Lungleg classics – Disco Biscuit, Eek!, Palmolive, Lust for Leg… the list goes on, and of course the aforementioned new song, I’m not sure about the rest of the audience as my gaze was pretty much transfixed on the crowded Hug and Punt stage for the entirety of the gig, but I certainly had a cheesy grin on my face throughout the glorious set. There were, of course, a couple of ramshackle moments reminiscent of the DIY scene of old, only adding to the buzz and atmosphere of joyful elevation that was palpable throughout the venue, before closing out the set with a triumphant Theme Park and Whiskey A-Go-Go.
The vibe continued upstairs in the bar with both bands mingling with friends and acquaintances after the gig, bathing in the afterglow of a wonderful night to remember. Roll on the next Lungleg gig, this band always bring the party.
Photos courtesy of Chris and Stuart ( ChrisHoggephotography & Blackmagicplastic)