First up tonight is a solo set from Graeme from Remember Remember, billed under the moniker A Larger Demon, though even he admits he can’t remember why he chose that.
Unfortunately it seems as if the gorgeous evening has put people off heading out to a gig because even though Mono is probably the lightest and airiest venue in town, there are still only about twenty people present including the bar staff.
Ronald uses looped guitar to create shifting ambient soundscapes with a spacious, exotic feel, his use of loops allows him to drink a beer mid song but the impressive thing is the range of noises he summons from his Fender Jaguar, allowing it to sound like everything from an organ to a viola.
Numbers are Futile is a Portuguese/Greek dup based in Edinburgh who filter post-punk through the lense of noisy synths and stand up drumming.
Their vocals aren’t the strongest but a good grasp of polyrhythmic indie-electro is enough to carry them through and when the drummer starts beating out his steel tattoo they almost manage to get the small crowd dancing.
Finally our headliners for the night stumble on stage with frontman Eddy Frankel apparently a little worse for wear.
In shirts and shorts they channel a summery vibe with their hyperactive afro-pop that sounds like Animal Collective with guitar solos.
Partially sung in Arabic ‘Ya Mustafa’ is one of the best summer songs of the year and although Frankel’s drawl doesn’t quite match up to the album version it’s still an infectious indie-disco bouncer.
By contrast his band mates are silent; happy to let the frontman’s louder than life personality dominate.
Obviously disappointed by the small crowd nonetheless Frankel throws himself around the stage, yells at his merch guy “French Jesus” and chats self-deprecatingly about the band, while delivering quirky guitar licks on the likes of ‘Green Apple Milk’.
Hopefully next time they return to Glasgow they’ll get the reception they deserve.
Words: Max Sefton
Photos: Ronnie Poffley
