Pizza Crunch, Vansleep, Tina Sandwich & Static – Summer Sessions live in King Tuts

I used to be a regular visitor to Tuts, but my visits now seem to be few and far between. I first ventured there when it was still called Saints and Sinners for a 40th birthday party, attended the opening night as King Tuts Wah Wah Hut (before half of last nights audience was born probably…) and I’ve been to some pretty special nights there over the years – Suede, Radiohead supporting Kingmaker, Scamheads (secret Skunk Anansie show), Trashcan Sinatras, Fatima Mansions…the list goes on. I’m what you could call a long in the tooth gig goer now, or just old, but that doesn’t mean I just go to gigs by what i hear called ”heritage” acts (who makes these things up?) There are so many brilliant young bands out there, it is always a pleasure to be entertained by these bands who are at the start of their journey, and hopefully see them hit a trajectory to the stars.

I’m adding last night to that list of special nights, ones that will live long in the memory.

Live music or Live music – whatever way you say it, its a mantra for me. Music is always a part of my daily routine, I eat, sleep and breathe music. And the best way to experience that music is to hear it live as part of a fervent, sweaty heaving mass of like minded people. And so it was last night in that iconic venue where young bands dream of playing, maybe on their way to playing that other most revered of Glasgow venues, The Barrowland Ballroom.

Whoever was responsible for pulling the line-up together deserves some kudos, it was an inspired selection of East meets West young Scottish bands, and it was heartening to see that all four bands played to a healthy crowd. I’m one of those music fans who always makes an effort to see all the bands on a bill. you never know what you’ll miss. Just remember who got “discovered” by Alan McGee in the self same venue. OK, bad example, I love most music, but Oasis just rip ma knittin’, (cue pelters from Oasis fans) I just don’t get their draw at all…the point remains, all four bands tonight drew a crowd, and that is always pleasing to see.

Static

The task of opening the night fell to Falkirk’s Static. Before the band played a note, I was sure I was going to enjoy them, with their bass player sporting a Clash t shirt. And so it turned out, an excellent opening set, kicking off with a trio of brilliant original songs in Moscow, Barry and Walter Mitty, their well chosen set saw the band grow in energy and power as it progressed, with the highlight for me being their song Liar, and in a night dotted with well chosen covers, an immense version of Hole’s Celebrity Skin.

Tina Sandwich

I knew very little, almost nothing to be honest, about the nights second act, Tina Sandwich, but boy, will I make sure I rectify that. what a performance from Tina and Co. She has rock star quality written all over her. If I was to try to describe the style, imagine electro pioneer Peaches had been born a couple of decades earlier and was fronting a punk band in late 70’s NYC in the sleazy surroundings of CBGBs and you’re probably not far off the mark. Thundering bass underlaid intense guitars backed with synth/programming and a solid beat from the back, all fronted by Tina’s attitude filled drawl. Superb. Oh, and a heart-stopping version of Beastie Boys Sabotage to boot.

Vansleep

Aberdeen’s Vansleep were up next, hopefully as buzzing as I was from a 5-0 thumping of Livingston earlier. It’s funny the people you meet at gigs, next to me was a young lady who was shouting ”Mon the Dons”, so obviously I had to make it known that I was also a fan… Anyway, the band were tight and powerful, playing their blend of powerfully earnest indie/alternative rock that filled the venue. If you think early raucous Idlewild crossed with bands like The Cribs and you get the picture. Three tremendous sets down, and the headliner to come…

Pizza Crunch

I’m going to admit, Pizza Crunch almost passed me by when they first came to my attention. It was their second single, Twelve Month Seasonal Depression, and thankfully, though I hated the bands name at first, the single title drew me in. and wow, what a song it was (is!), being one of the sets (many) highlights. I mentioned earlier I’m kind of long in the tooth now, maybe too old for me to use the language I used to use about bands saving my life, or having a life changing effect on me. But tonight, I had that weird feeling, that churning in the stomach that comes from anxiety, but also from (not so young) excitement, a kind of heart fluttering and sense of anticipation that I have previously had for bands that have meant a lot to me in formative years, bands like The Smiths, Trashcan Sinatras, Fatima Mansions… This was the first time I’ve managed to get to a Pizza Crunch (I love the name now by the way) show, would they live up to what I’ve built them up to be? You bet, and then some…

From the bands I just listed, you can probably guess that I like a good lyric. Words are important to me, so from the very first listen to Twelve Month Seasonal Depression I was hooked, each release having me listen with a keen ear for lyrical couplets and imagery in the lyrics, and never disappointed. Tonight, all those songs were present and correct and played with) an intensity and passion that felt like their life depended on it. Ewan’s warm brogue gives the band part of their identify, with Nathan’s guitar chiming and positively singing provide a perfect foil, Nico and Craig a solid backbone on bass and drums.

I’ve been fortunate to have received their new 7 track EP ahead if its release at the end if September with some of the songs receiving an airing tonight. The songs on the EP showing a progressions in the bands sound You’re in for a treat.

The inspired choices of covers throughout the night culminates in an astonishing cover of Pulp’s Babies, the whole throng in Tuts singing (and bouncing) in unison in a sense of collective euphoria. This euphoria didn’t cease for the closing two numbers Fried Intellectuals and a rousing Celexa.

What an amazing night, all four bands excelling themselves, and a special mention to the staff at Tuts who were amazing, and great to meet the Pizza Crunch guys after the gig. Surely thisband has a bright future ahead.