For many in attendance tonight Camera Obscura spark memories of youth since, their attractively moody yet refreshingly pretty sound made them darlings of the early 00’s for those who took comfort rebelling in soft and sultry tales of picking up boys in dusty libraries.
Support, the soulful Cry Baby is a pleasure; cool vocals and cutting lyrics ensure the night gets off to a haunting and heartfelt start.
Camera Obscura begin on a synth heavy note before moving into a roller disco vibe, different from the northern soul sound sometime associated with these guys.
Some of the more melancholy tracks take you back to your teenage years as Tracyanne Campbell’s uniquely sad voice is lifted by cathartic of bursts of brass and a big country licks.
The variety of sounds and styles on display are a testament to one of the most prolific acts in indie Scotland, as indie pop anthems ‘’Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken’’ and ‘’French Navy’’ provide sing-along highlights.
While other classics like ‘Forest and Sands’ and ‘Let’s Get Out of the Country’ remind you why you first became enamoured with this group, it’s pure pop urging the audience to explore a lovelorn city.
Tracyanne at one point apologises for keeping the crowd out of the sunshine, and really that’s all that is missing, the musty darkness of the ABC does not do the music justice; this is the perfect set for an open stage, with sunshine and cider – roll on festival season.
Words: Peter Johnstone
Photos: Vito Andreoni
