A sneaky extra gig this one. One of these will I/won’t I nights that ended up as an I will. I was on drop off and pick up duties for Strictly, so it was only a partial gig, having to leave before the headliners, but as the now vegan Meatloaf once said, 2 out of 3 isn’t bad. This was living on the edge for me – gigs three nights in a row. Jeez I’m 50-man, ma lugs can’t cope.
So, three bands on offer for a fiver. Can’t say fairer than that. Especially not in a week when I re-mortgaged the house in order to get tickets for Guns ‘n’ Roses. They just happen to be one of the missus favourite bands and announced they are playing a gig in Glasgow on her 50th birthday. That’s one big deposit in the brownie points bank.
Savage Cut
First up it was West Lothian trio, Savage Cut, to entertain. This band were a Danny Mac Testifying Time Radio Show introduction for me, their track Andy From Finance (featuring Leyla Josephine) is a huge favourite and I had it on constant repeat when it came out. The album that followed that, A Ricochet off the Moon is an absolute bona fide classic. Unfortunately up until now I’ve not managed to catch a live set. Thankfully I have now scratched that itch. The band are unusual in that they are a trio with no lead singer. The album has several guests taking on vocal duties, the resulting mix of vocal styles atop the bands full on aural assault is genius. Live, the band use a mix of samples/vocal tracks and live guests.
At this Sleazy’s set, we were treated to vocals from the legend that is Jimbo McKellar providing a soulful slant to Sunshine, full on rap attack on Hipsters from Hextasy, Garlands frontman Gordon joining the party (at least I got to see a bit of Garlands by default) and the sweet vocal of Jordan Stewart. The musicianship is extraordinary, intense crunching US Hardcore punk meets Killing Joke/Therapy guitar and a thunderous rhythm section, the drumming on the final track Konsul Miklan (featuring the vocal of the late Shug O’Neill) was phenomenal. First time seen, definitely not the last. Savage.
Outstandifold & the Wettygrippers
Next up, Killie rockers Outstandifold and the Wettygrippers. Another live first for me. Having seen frontman Munro’s other band, the goth influenced Southern Approach live, Outstandifold are an altogether different beast. This band is pure RAWK, a full on ballsy dual guitar assault on the senses from the word go as they launched into The Key the opening number of Go Fourth, their latest album. Barry and Dudge are an exceptional pair of guitarists providing a razor-sharp edgy platform for Munro’s full blooded passionate vocal. Mario and Hammy on rhythm section duties were a solid base (bass…) for the set.
The band were tight throughout, the majority of their songs musically forceful and hard-hitting. Uncompromising riffs and catchy hooks abound, with infectious choruses – I Don’t Wanna Know is a prime example. Most of their set was culled from the new album, the band showing they can do more than full on rock mode on the sensitive Faith, Hope and Clarity. They visited the back catalogue too (available on their bandcamp page pop -pickers) with the likes of Ride the Wave and set closer, The Rhythm Method from their debut album, Baws Like Tarbouton Onions. With a performance like this, the band deserve much more of an audience than they get in the likes of Nice ‘n’ Sleazy. With guitar playing and solos like we got from Dudge, maybe I’ve wasted my money on GnR tickets and I could have treated the missus to an Outstandifold gig instead. Outstanding.
I had to bolt at that point so no Garlands for me (Perhaps fortunate for you as I couldn’t think of a crappy pun to go with them.) I’ll hopefully catch them at some point soon.
So, four gigs down for the year now. Good start…who’s next I wonder?
Thanks so much for the kind words – really appreciate it!