Having acquired a (very small) stake in Scottish craft beer hipsters Brewdog, this entitled me to attend, along with a mate, their AGM/5th Birthday party being held at the cavernous AECC in Aberdeen.
Initially I was looking forward only to sampling some of the Company’s excellent beverages, however, further info provided nearer the event highlighted that there would also be a number of bands entertaining the assembled shareholders from late afternoon. Therefore, the event basically took on a part beer festival, part indoor music festival guise.
Some of the names in the lineup I was familiar with, however, I had never knowingly heard a note from any of the bands on the bill.
Up on stage first were Hello Video, a competent 3 piece band who peddled a particularly undemanding brand of indie rock. They weren’t bad, but they weren’t great either.
They were followed by The Fire and I, a two piece, who were in a similar vein to Wet Nuns who JC and I had enjoyed earlier in the year. This was a heavier sound than the previous act, shades of Nirvana at times, though also employing the use of synths on occasion. They definitely stood out for me, and their set was one of the day’s highlights.
The next act was given a bit of a build up from the compere, given that compared to the others on the bill he was arguably the most well known of the lot. Not that I’d heard of him mind. His name was Tommy Reilly, and having previously won Channel 4’s Orange Unsigned competition, clearly had a few fans in the room judging by the reception he received. I’ll try not to be too unkind but, singer songwriters in this mould tend to turn me off. Up on stage himself with just a guitar, he was struggling to be heard in the vast hall over the noise of 2,000 beer drinkers enjoying a swally.
Things got back on track with the next group, local boys The Little Kicks, who had released their second album towards the end of last year, and who an acquaintance had recommended to me a while back. I can see why they thought I would like them. And I did. I described it as fairly commercial indie at the time, but very enjoyable nonetheless. A number of influences came through, occasional echoes of Franz Ferdinand were in there, along with shades of Echo and the Bunnymen at times. They even employed a small brass section for a couple of songs. Whilst not going to be the next big thing, I’d definitely like to see and hear more.
Fatherson, described as alternative rock powerpop were next to entertain us. Now it’s either the fact that by this point Brewdog’s potent beers were beginning to take effect or Fatherson did little to grab my attention, that my recollection of them is a little hazy. From what I do recall, they just weren’t my thang,
Now the next band were the ones whose name I was most familiar with, having seen numerous posters for gigs and their new album around town in their native Glasgow, Kassidy. I had high expectations, despite me not having a clue what they looked or sounded like. Then four guys appeared with long hair, beards and leather jackets, looking like Kings of Leon, but sounding like The Eagles. The next 45 minutes or so was a pretty mediocre re-imagining of 70’s Americana/Folk/Rock. I expect they may well become big and secure decent slots at a festival near you over the summer, but they’re not my cup of tea. Oh and apparently the lead singer already has a celebrity girlfriend, I’ll let you Google that yourselves if you’re even remotely interested……
After the turgid Crosby, Stills and Nash of Kassidy, the final act Bombskare brought life back to the hall. A 9 piece Ska group, looking and sounding just as you’d expect. The band were exceptionally tight and managed to get the remaining crowd moving more energetically than any of the previous bands. Certainly it would be difficult to argue that they weren’t very good at what they do. After dancing til we were dead on our feet, we made our exit to the still energetic 2-tone sound pumping away…..
All in all it was a great opportunity to catch a varied mix of different groups, some which I will definitely keep an eye our for in future, and others which I’d hope to avoid.
Aldo, (the capitalist). Thursday 2nd May 2012
mp3 : Lambchop - The Man Who Loved Beer
(song chosen by JC)
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