Belle and Sebastian @ Beach Ballroom – Reviewed

 Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion  No Responses »
Jul 292023
 

Craig Chisholm reviews Belle and Sebastian at the Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen.

As the lights dimmed and the anticipatory murmurs of the crowd filled the air, a wave of excitement washed over the audience, as the intro tape of ‘The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen’ rang out signalling the arrival of the beloved indie pop legends, Belle and Sebastian.

Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, this legendary group has been enchanting listeners with their whimsical melodies and heartfelt lyrics for over two decades.

Tonight, at The Beach Ballroom, they promised to take us on a magical journey through their extensive discography. And without a doubt, they delivered.

From the moment the band stepped on stage, their infectious energy and undeniable charisma filled the room.

Led by the enigmatic Stuart Murdoch, the lead vocalist and frontman, Belle and Sebastian commanded the stage with grace and charm. Murdoch’s distinct voice, simultaneously soothing and evocative, resonated with every word sung, drawing the audience closer into their world.

The setlist was a carefully curated selection of old favourites and newer tracks, showcasing the band’s versatility and evolution over the years.

Opening with the iconic Dog On Wheels they immediately transported us back to the early days of their career, when their tender melodies first captured our hearts. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, singing along to every word, displaying an unwavering devotion to the band’s music.

Throughout the performance, Belle and Sebastian effortlessly transitioned from soft and introspective ballads like to joyous, upbeat anthems.

The band’s ability to create an intimate atmosphere in a larger venue was remarkable. Each song felt like a personal conversation, a heartfelt exchange between the band and their adoring fans.

The musicianship displayed by Belle and Sebastian was nothing short of exceptional.

The band members, all talented instrumentalists, demonstrated their mastery of their respective instruments, creating lush soundscapes that enveloped the Ballroom. The seamless interplay between the delicate strings, the whimsical keys, and the vibrant brass sections added depth and richness to their already captivating compositions.

But what truly set this performance apart was the palpable connection between the band and the audience.

Stuart Murdoch, in his charismatic and humble manner, engaged with the crowd, sharing anecdotes about his Dad singing The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen after a few drinks, having a personal and humorous chat with a gig goer originally from Battlefield in Glasgow, and inviting sing-alongs.

The fans reciprocated by dancing, swaying, and clapping in unison, transforming the venue into a jubilant celebration of music and community.

Fan favourite The Boy With The Arab Strap even drew a small stage invasion from Stuart’s sister and companions and the support band, Drug Store Romeos, who danced away whilst the band played.

As the concert drew to a close, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause, demanding an encore. Belle and Sebastian graciously obliged.

The evening concluded with their timeless classic, Lazy Line Painter Jane leaving a lasting impression and a sense of pure contentment in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to witness this remarkable performance.

In the end, Belle and Sebastian proved once again why they remain an indelible force in indie pop music. Their ability to captivate and transport listeners through their melodies and storytelling is a testament to their artistry and enduring appeal.

Their debut live performance at The Beach Ballroom was nothing short of magical, reminding us why we fell in love with their music in the first place.

Belle and Sebastian continue to defy time, inviting us to embrace the beauty and wonder of their musical world.

Setlist :

Dog on Wheels
I’m a Cuckoo
So in the Moment
Young and Stupid
If She Wants Me
When You’re Not With Me
Unnecessary Drama
Slow Graffiti
If You’re Feeling Sinister
Like Dylan in the Movies
Funny Little Frog
Sukie in the Graveyard
The Wrong Girl
Simple Things
The Boy With the Arab Strap
I Didn’t See It Coming
Sleep the Clock Around

Encore:

Another Sunny Day
Lazy Line Painter Jane

Pet Shop Boys @ P&J Live – Reviewed

 Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion  No Responses »
Jul 272023
 

Craig Chisholm reviews The Pet Shop Boys at P&J Live, Aberdeen.

The Pet Shop Boys took the stage at P&J Live, Aberdeen on their ‘Dreamworld – The Greatest Hits Tour’ with an electrifying energy that captivated the audience from the very first note.
As one of the most iconic synth-pop duos in music history, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe demonstrated why they continue to be a force to be reckoned with even after decades in the industry.

From the moment the lights dimmed, and the euphoric synths and uplifting piano motif of Suburbia reverberated through the venue, it was evident that the Pet Shop Boys were here to deliver an unforgettable show.

The stage was adorned with a visually stunning backdrop, modified street lamps and giant screens featuring a combination of vibrant visuals and retro-inspired graphics that perfectly complemented their unique musical style.

Neil Tennant’s distinctive voice filled the air, effortlessly transporting the crowd back to the 80s and 90s, while Chris Lowe worked his magic behind his keyboard, creating a symphony of synth sounds that defined the era.

The chemistry between the two musicians was palpable, as they seamlessly blended their talents to create a mesmerizing sonic experience.

The setlist was a carefully curated journey through their extensive discography, incorporating both their timeless classics and some of their newer material.

Hits like Go West, It’s a Sin, and Always on My Mind had the entire crowd on their feet, singing along with an infectious enthusiasm.

One of the highlights of the concert was the incorporation of stunning multimedia elements. A dazzling display of lights, lasers, and mesmerizing visuals transformed the stage into a kaleidoscope of colours, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the performance.

The synchronization between the visuals and the music was impeccable, further immersing the audience in the Pet Shop Boys’ artistic vision.

But it wasn’t just the audio and visual spectacle that made the concert memorable; it was also the intimate connection established between the band and their fans.

Neil Tennant’s engaging banter between songs created an atmosphere of warmth and familiarity, making the audience feel like they were part of an exclusive gathering of die-hard fans. This personal touch added a sense of authenticity and genuine appreciation for their loyal supporters.

As the concert drew to a close, they encored with an exhilarating rendition of classic West End Girls, and the more melancholic Being Boring the crowd erupted into a thunderous applause, unwilling to let the evening end.

The Pet Shop Boys had delivered a concert experience that was as entertaining as it was nostalgic, reminding everyone why their music continues to resonate with generations of fans.

In summary, the Pet Shop Boys in concert was an absolute triumph. With their impeccable musicianship, stunning visuals, and infectious energy, they delivered a synth-pop extravaganza that left a lasting impression. It was a celebration of their remarkable career, and a testament to their enduring legacy in the world of music.

Setlist:

Suburbia
Can You Forgive Her?
Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)
Where the Streets Have No Name (I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You)
Rent
I Don’t Know What You Want but I Can’t Give It Any More
So Hard
Left to My Own Devices
Single-Bilingual / Se a vida é (That’s the Way Life Is)
Domino Dancing
Monkey Business
New York City Boy
Jealousy
Love Comes Quickly
Paninaro(Paninaro ’95 version)
You Were Always on My Mind
Dreamland
Heart
What Have I Done to Deserve This?
It’s Alright
Vocal
Go West
It’s a Sin

Encore:

West End Girls
Being Boring

The Comet is Coming @ Lemon Tree – Reviewed

 Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion  No Responses »
Apr 052023
 

The Comet is Coming, the London-based experimental jazz trio, electrified the stage and lit up the late winter darkness at the Aberdeen Lemon Tree with their cosmic sounds and captivating performance. Craig Chisholm reviews.

The show started with the pulsating energy of stunning openers, Code and Summon The Fire, and that immediately drew the audience in as the group’s saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings (AKA King Shabaka), drummer Max ‘Betamax’ Hallett, and keyboardist Dan ‘Danalogue’ Leavers brought a fusion of spiritual jazz, cosmic funk, and electronica to the stage.

The trio’s improvisational style, coupled with their futuristic aesthetic, transported the audience to another dimension.

With intricate saxophone riffs, hypnotic drum patterns, and mesmerizing keyboard melodies, The Comet is Coming delivered a spellbinding performance that left the audience in awe.

Throughout the concert, the band showcased their eclectic range of influences, from Sun Ra’s space jazz to the cosmic funk of Parliament-Funkadelic, infusing each track with their unique sound. The audience was swept up in the band’s infectious energy, dancing and swaying to the pulsating rhythms.

Highlights of the show included the frenzied energy of aforementioned

Summon the Fire, Blood of the Past, Pyramids, and the driving funk of Final Eclipse.

The group’s dynamic stage presence, with each member contributing their own unique flair, kept the audience engaged and entertained from start to finish.

Overall, The Comet is Coming’s performance at Aberdeen Lemon Tree was a stunning showcase of their innovative sound and captivating stage presence.

The audience was left mesmerized by the trio’s cosmic sounds, and it was clear that the group’s experimental approach to jazz is pushing the boundaries of the genre in exciting new directions.

Gig of the year? In March? Quite possibly…..

The Slow Readers Club @ Lemon Tree – Reviewed

 Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion  No Responses »
Apr 052023
 

Lead singer Aaron Starkie’s powerful vocals were a standout feature of the show.

Craig Chisholm reviews The Slow Readers Club at the Lemon Tree, Aberdeen.

The Slow Readers Club made a long overdue trip to Aberdeen Lemon Tree in support of their latest Top 40 album, Knowledge Freedom Power.
From start to finish, the band put on an impressive and energetic show that had the entire audience captivated.

The Manchester band opened with the new album’s first track, Modernise, which set the tone for the rest of the performance.

The band’s unique blend of indie rock and electronic music was on full display, and their sound filled the venue with a powerful energy that kept the audience engaged throughout the night.

Lead singer Aaron Starkie’s powerful vocals were a standout feature of the show, as he effortlessly belted out the band’s lyrics with passion and emotion. The other members of the band were equally impressive, with their tight musicianship and expertly executed arrangements.

The setlist included some of the band’s biggest hits, such as Plant the Seed and On the TV, as well as some newer material that showcased their evolving sound. Aaron Starkie also engaged with the crowd, creating an inclusive and celebratory atmosphere.

The lighting and stage design complemented the music perfectly, creating a visually stunning show that was both immersive and engaging. The sound quality was also excellent, with every instrument and vocal perfectly balanced.

Overall, The Slow Readers Club put on an outstanding performance at the Aberdeen Lemon Tree. They delivered an impressive show that was both sonically and visually captivating, leaving the audience wanting more.

Anyone who enjoys indie rock or electronic music should definitely make an effort to see this band live, especially when they support indie legends the Pixies in select UK dates.

Set List:

Modernise
Fool For Your Philosophy
All I Hear
The Greatest Escape
The Wait
How Could You Know
Plant the Seed
Everything I Own
Forever in Your Debt
Jericho
Afterlife
You Opened Up My Heart
Lay Your Troubles on Me
On The TV
Feet on Fire

Encore:

I Saw a Ghost
Wanted Much More
Knowledge Freedom Power
Lunatic

 

Suede @ Music Hall – Craig Chisholm Reviews

 Aberdeen City, Opinion  No Responses »
Apr 052023
 

Craig Chisholm reviews ‘Suede’ live at Aberdeen Music Hall.

Suede, the legendary Britpop band, recently took the stage at Aberdeen Music Hall, and the audience was treated to a night of electrifying rock and roll.

The band, fronted by the charismatic Brett Anderson, proved that they are still at the top of their game and capable of delivering a powerful performance.

The setlist was a carefully curated mix of old classics and new material from recent album, Autofiction, with the band playing fan favourites such as Animal Nitrate, Trash, and a barnstorming encore of Beautiful Ones, as well as newer tracks like Personality Disorder and She Still Leads Me On.

Add in early B-side, Killing of a Flashboy, and you had a set that spanned the band’s entire career.

The crowd sang along to every word and danced the night away to the infectious beats and catchy hooks.

Anderson’s voice was in fine form, effortlessly hitting every note with his signature falsetto, which was particularly evident when he performed a solo acoustic version of The Wild Ones from their classic album, Dog Man Star.

The rest of the band was tight and polished, delivering a high-energy performance that left the audience begging for more. The guitar work was particularly impressive, with Richard Oakes and Neil Codling trading solos and creating a wall of sound that filled the entire venue.

Simon Gilbert and Mat Osman (brother of TV presenter and author Richard Osman) anchored the maelstrom with a solid backbone of drums and bass respectively.

The stage setup was minimalistic and stark, with a simple backdrop and lighting that perfectly complemented the music without distracting from it. The sound quality was excellent, with every instrument and vocal perfectly balanced and crystal clear.

Overall, Suede’s performance at Aberdeen Music Hall was a triumph, showcasing the band’s enduring talent and ability to captivate audiences with their unique brand of Britpop. The concert was a memorable night that left fans buzzing and eagerly anticipating the band’s next tour.

This was the band’s first time back in Aberdeen for nearly 25 years (and only their third ever) – you hope, given the reception at this sold-out show, that they come back sooner rather than later.

Setlist :

Turn Off Your Brain and Yell
Personality Disorder
15 Again
We Are the Pigs
Animal Nitrate
Trash
Killing of a Flashboy
Sleeping Pills
Down
The Only Way I Can Love You
She Still Leads Me On
Shadow Self
It Starts and Ends With You
The Wild Ones
That Boy on the Stage
So Young
Metal Mickey
New Generation

Encore:

Beautiful Ones

Mogwai/Rev Magnetic @Music Hall – Craig Chisholm Reviews

 Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion  No Responses »
Feb 022023
 

Craig Chisholm reviews Mogwai plus support, Rev Magnetic at The Music Hall, Aberdeen.

With Idlewild playing down the road at the OGV Taproom and The Dons entertaining one of the Glasgow teams at Pittodrie (in a game best not talked about after a rather unpleasant ending), it’s pleasing to see a healthily packed Music Hall watch the wonderful Mogwai start a short run of dates before Christmas.

Opening the nights proceedings are Glasgow based Rev Magnetic, who are fronted by the multitalented, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, the Orkney and Blairgowrie raised Luke Sutherland.

Not only is he the Rev Magnetic frontman but he’s a published author, former band leader of acclaimed 90s band Long Fin Killie and occasional Mogwai touring member.

The band deliver a 40-minute set of experimental avant-post-rock infused with pop hooks, jarring silences and folk influences that recalls bands such as near namesakes Mercury Rev at their most dream-like and the exploratory guitar work of Loop and My Bloody Valentine.

Sutherland’s congenial, friendly between song banter seems to win over a crowd that may not be familiar with the band or their 2019 album ‘Versus Universe’.

Hopefully they make it up to the Granite City again soon.

Headliners Mogwai are no strangers to Aberdeen having made their debut at the Lemon Tree 25 years ago.

“Hello, we’re Mogwai from Glasgow, it’s good to be back in Aberdeen” states frontman Stuart Braithwaite as the band take the stage.

Opening with the live debut of recent single (and, interestingly, non-album track) ‘Boltfor’, the band plunge straight into a hypnotic and hallucinatory set that features a mere 3 tracks their recent UK no.1 album ‘As the Love Continues’ and delves deep into their now extensive back catalogue.

Between song chat is minimal, kept to the odd “thanks” or similar display of appreciation. However, that’s a positive as unnecessary between song banter could break the spell that the band’s music induces.

The aforementioned Luke Sutherland makes a guest appearance during the seasonal appropriately named ‘Xmas Steps’ adding layers of violin to the band’s guitar heavy sound.

Vocal tracks, such as ‘Ritchie Sacramento’ and ‘Hunted By a Freak’, are rare, offering a different shade to the atmospherics of the instrumentals.
Closing with the epic 20-minute piece ‘My Father, My King’, which is based on the melody to a Jewish prayer, the band exit to a deafening cacophony of feedback and adulation from an adoring crowd.

A towering performance by one of the greatest bands Scotland has to offer – and much more fun than the entertainment at Pittodrie on the same night.

Mogwai Setlist:
I’m Jim Morrison, I’m Dead
How to Be a Werewolf
Hunted by a Freak
Party in the Dark
Don’t Believe the Fife
Drive the Nail
Christmas Steps
Old Poisons
Ceiling Granny
Remurdered
Ratts of the Capital

Encore:
Ritchie Sacramento
My Father, My King

Rev Magnetic Setlist:
Versus Universe
Like No Girl That Ever Was
Lip Gloss
Sunny Windy Winter Morning (Rainbows Spanning the Valley)
Gregor
La Haut
Don’t Let Joy Destroy You
Palaces

North Sea Heroes by Mike Shepherd – A Review

 Aberdeenshire, Featured, History  No Responses »
Oct 282022
 

Duncan Harley Reviews Mike Shepherd’s latest book ‘North Sea Heroes’.

I think it was Robert Graves who once said that if you live by the pen, you can live almost anywhere. Graves of course came from a privileged background. He ended up in Majorca and famously said that if you take up that pen, you’d better have something to say.

Well, Graves had probably never visited Cruden Bay. And why would he. It’s a tiny settlement in Aberdeenshire formerly known as Port Errol. Dracula author Bram Stoker spent his holidays in the village and, if we are to believe the modern-day histories, a golf hotel on the dunes hosted the likes of Winston Churchill and mustard tycoon Jeremiah Colman.

Even William Burrell put in an appearance at Cruden Bay and if you look up the history on the likes of Wikipedia, you’ll likely find that the place can boast a few dozen more celebrities to its name.

Enter Mike Shepherd. He lives in Cruden Bay and he writes books.

I have to confess an interest here. Mike and I have a history. We both pen books about Scotland. Mike has penned at least six and I am rapidly catching up.

Not that there is a rivalry here. More like a recognition that once you embark on that writing trail, there is no giving up. Its like a drug. An addiction. And his latest book ‘North Sea Heroes’ is a cracker! So, no surprises here.

Unlike Mike’s previous books, the narrative is presented as a work of historical fiction. But nothing is made up.

The seven tales which make up this book are sourced from historical records and although it takes a few pages to understand the flow of the writing, once you’re in the zone the narrative takes over and the journey through history begins in earnest.

First up is the chasing of the ships of the Spanish Armada up to the Firth of Forth and then around the storm-tossed coastline of Scotland. Virtually every stately home along the coast of Scotland boasts a cannon or two salvaged from the wrecked galleons and some of the claims might even be true.

Haddo House has one and I recall seeing one at Tobermory many years ago.

North Sea Heroes explores the timeline of the Spanish disaster and challenges the myths through the medium of diaries of the folk who were witness to the events of 1588.

Second up is the tale of Sir George Bruce. I’d never heard of the man to be honest. But in 1575, he became a big mover in the coalmining business. Seemingly he funded the driving of a coal mine underneath the Firth of Forth and made a name for himself by resurrecting the Culross coal industry.

The stories pound on and on. There are seven in total.

A favourite of mine is the tale of Tryggve Gran. Now, I’d researched him for one of my books. He has links to Norwegian fascism and is famed for having made the first successful flight over the North Sea in a Bleriot monoplane. I vaguely knew about his links to the disastrous Terra Nova Antarctic expedition of 1910. But here, in narrative form is Tryggve’s first hand take on the episode.

All in all, this new book is a worthy addition to my bookshelf. Mike Shepherd has penned yet another a book full of splendid yarns adorned with bucketloads of well researched historical detail.

Published by Wild Wolf Publishing, North Sea Heroes by Mike Shepherd is available from Amazon at £12.99
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1907954825

Kasabian @ The Beach Ballroom – Craig Chisholm Reviews.

 Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion  No Responses »
Jun 282022
 

Craig Chisholm reviews Kasabian at The Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen.

Guitarist turned singer, Serge Pizzorno, is a hyperactive and overwhelming presence.

There’s an air of anticipation – and a hint of worry – in the air tonight as Kasabian take to stage for the first time in months in a relatively low key warm up show for their upcoming tour.
There was major upheaval in the Kasabian camp during lockdown that saw lead singer Tom Meighan convicted in court on a rather unsavoury charge of assaulting his then fiancée.

But Kasabian, to their credit, acted quickly and decisively, sacking him from the band and expelling him from their inner circle.

An incident like this may have spelled the end of many a band or, worse, a public show of contrition and the usual carefully worded apology. Not Kasabian, though, who are to be credited with the strong message that separating from their singer sends out.

There’s no messing around tonight. No easing in the crowd gently. No time for reflection or soul searching.

Hitting the stage in disconcerting and overpowering strobe lights they blast into the banging ‘Club Foot’ with such energy that everywhere in a mile radius of the Beach Ballroom must have thought there was an earthquake happening.

Guitarist turned singer, Serge Pizzorno, is a hyperactive and overwhelming presence at the front of the stage.

Moving from side to side, bouncing, running and jumping like a prize fighter in the ring, your eyes are drawn to him and you’re overcome by his intensity and energy.

Any questions regarding his ability to step up to front man – from his usual role of guitarist – or doubts about his voice being able to carry the tunes, are dispelled tonight. He’s a natural frontman, a consummate showman and his voice is perfect for the songs.

Blasting through a 17 song set, the band show they are more ready for their upcoming headline dates and their support slots with Liam Gallagher at Hampden Park and Knebworth among others.

The hits, such as ‘Empire’, ‘Vlad The Impaler’ and ‘Shoot the Runner’ are all played. There’s a live debut for ‘SCRIPTVRE’ from upcoming album ‘The Alchemists Euphoria’ (Due August 5th) and plenty of crowd pleasers in between.

The sprung floor at the Beach Ballroom was tested to its limits tonight and there’ll be a few lugs still ringing the following morning from the aural assault.

Closing with ‘Fire’, the band end a triumphant show that has dispelled any doubts about their future. They’re in for the long haul and will be headlining arenas and festivals for a long time to come.

Set List:

Club Foot
Ill Ray (The King)
Underdog
You’re in Love With a Psycho
ALYGATYR
Shoot the Runner
SCRIPTVRE
Bumblebee
Stevie
Pinch Roller
Treat
Empire
Switchblade Smiles
Vlad the Impaler

Encore:

Bless This Acid House
L.S.F. (Lost Souls Forever)
Fire

The Charlatans/Martin Carr @ The Music Hall – Reviewed

 Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion  No Responses »
Jun 232022
 

Craig Chisholm reviews The Charlatans and Martin Carr at Aberdeen Music Hall.

The Charlatans are treated as conquering heroes to a partisan crowd.

Has it really been nearly ten years since The Charlatans last played Aberdeen? Last time around they played a run through of their classic album ‘Tellin’ Stories’ and the odd b-side from that phase of their career.

Tonight is also a dive into the past – a retrospective set in support of last year’s compilation album ‘A Head Full of Ideas: The Best of Charlatans’

But before The Charlatans take to the stage for what was supposed to be a 30th – now 32nd – anniversary tour, it’s the turn of former Boo Radleys guitarist and songwriter Martin Carr and his band, What Future, to entertain the crowd.

Most of the crowd seem to be in the bar when they come on but by the end of the set the hall is suitably filled with an audience appreciative of his songwriting skills.

Martin Carr

His bright indie pop still retains a knack for the harmonies and hooks that made Boo Radleys stars in the mid 90s. Leaning heavily on his solo material for the 30 minute set there’s only the one nod to his former band with a closing performance of the brilliant ‘Lazarus’ – which is met with an applause as rapturous to the one given when he says “have a good night – fuck the Tories”.

The Thurso born, Wallasey raised, singer and his band may have won a few more fans tonight with both his music and his politics.

Coming on stage to the pulsating ‘Forever’, The Charlatans are treated as conquering heroes to a partisan crowd.

It’s hit after hit, hook after hook, as they blast through over 100 mins of classics selected from their back catalogue.

The LED backdrop plays videos and shows pictures from the past three decades of their career – ticket stubs, tour posters, old concerts and, poignantly, old footage of late keyboard player Rob Collins and drummer Jon Brooks, who tragically died of a brain tumour in 2013.

But this isn’t a wake, it’s not a simple case of nostalgia and they are certainly not resting on their laurels – this is a band that have embraced all genres, mixed up the past and looked to the future.

From the soulful ‘A Man Needs to be Told’ to the Chemical Brothers infused dance beats of ‘One to Another’ to the Stones-y swagger of ‘Just When You’re Thinking Things Over’, it’s a joyous and life affirming set by a band that have never stood still.

Highlights? Everything. There are no mishits, no songs that make you want to go to the bar.

It’s all killer, no filler, as they say.

Closing – as ever – with an extended ‘Sproston Green’, the band leave the stage tired and exhausted as the crowd, reluctantly, leave the exits the in the very same state.

Setlist:

Forever
Weirdo
Can’t Get Out of Bed
Then
So Oh
You’re So Pretty – We’re So Pretty
Sleepy Little Sunshine Boy
Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over
One to Another
Different Days
Future Tense (with Ian Rankin) (Spoken word)
Plastic Machinery
I Never Want an Easy Life If Me and He Were Ever to Get There
A Man Needs to Be Told
The Blind Stagger
The Only One I Know
North Country Boy
How High

Encore:

Sproston Green

Pictish Trail/Savage Mansion @ The Lemon Tree – Reviewed

 Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion  No Responses »
Jun 162022
 

Craig Chisholm reviews Pictish Trail and Savage Mansion at The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen.

A Pictish Trail show isn’t your run of the mill concert.

It’s a glorious mish mash of one man and his acoustic guitar, a band playing electro-indie-psych-rock and some of the funniest between song anecdotes and asides to the crowd that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a spring to your step.

Pictish Trail is better known to his Mum as Johnny Lynch. He’s a resident of Eigg, a prolific song writer, the head honcho of the Lost Map record label and, as cliched as it sounds, one of the best live acts around just now.

But before he and his band entertain the crowd, it’s the turn of Lost Map signees Savage Mansion to warm up attendees.

The Glasgow based band play an infectious brand of shambolic indie pop that’s a treat to the ears. There are shades of Pavement in there, a hint of Lou Reed in the vocals, all of which combine to create an enjoyable and listenable experience.

Keyboard player Kate is from Aberdeen and, when put on the spot, is asked to name something good about her hometown. She opts for the number 19 bus, which is given a shout out by singer Craig Angus.

Shout out to Savage Mansion too, for a great set.

Headliner Pictish Trail bravely starts the show with two solo acoustic tracks – ‘Easy With Either’ and ‘Nuclear Sunflower’ before being joined by “Eigg’s sexiest man 2009, Joe” on guitar for another track.

Pictish Trail, of course, moved to Eigg in 2010.

Whereby Joe won the award again, apparently.

This sort of quip is just a precursor for the between song banter and shaggy dog tales, including a tale about a near death experience involving a log filled truck with his passengers, comedians Josie Long and James Acaster.

But the humour and laughs are only a small part of an eclectic and joyful set that shows the breadth and depth of Johnny’s talent.

Songs are well crafted, catchy, and clever. Folkie, indie, danceable but draped in a pop sheen.

As he dances through the crowd at one point, still singing, you’re transported to a place of happiness, an escape from the world and its troubles.

Pictish Trail is no stranger to Aberdeen and hopefully he’ll be back soon – if you can’t wait then be sure to catch him in Glasgow, Dunfermline, Arisaig, Oban, Lockerbie and, more local-ish, Findhorn in August.

Set List:

Easy With Either (Johnny solo)
Nuclear Sunflower Swamp (Johnny solo)
Slow Memories (Johnny and Joe)
Double Sided
Island Family
Far Gone (Don’t Leave)
It Came Back
Melody Something
The River It Runs Inside Of Me
Fear Anchor
Turning Back

Encore:

Natural Successor

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