Aussie troubadour Fraser A. Gorman cuts a stark figure alone on stage but there’s no sign of intimidation from the chirpy voiced singer, he’s here supporting his pals and seems to be reveling in the moment.
Indeed his stories, between songs, peppered with a dry surreal humour, quickly warm him to a gradually growing Glasgow audience.
“Hang on while change my band member” introduces ‘Shiny Gun’ as Gorman pulls out a harmonica, “she sounds great tonight” adds the curly haired singer, before channeling wayward classic and contemporary folk acts that are too numerous to mention.
Indeed Gorman seems to be delivering a masterclass in how to warm up an audience, teasing the crowd with chat about black pudding and his names “Fraser” and “Alexander” stating “pretty sure… like half of that are called that! I’m one of you!”
I’m sure he’ll have sold a few Live at Glasgow tickets or even tea towels with tonight’s performance, just don’t be let down by his “7” for sale… Ladies!… For sale?”
Manchester’s Spring King follow things up and kick up the pace, while keeping with the spirit, delivering a brash lo-fi indie rock set with plenty of swagger.
Founding member Tarek Musa cites The Art School as one of the best venues he’s even been in and you get the sense he’s being genuine, there’s no sense of pandering as the band blast through a fast garage enthused set that seems to come with a snarl and smile from each member of a band that are clearly having fun, and so they should.
The Courtney Barnett Three are up next and there’s a real buzz around the sold out room, Barnett has been on the lips of every music fan for the last year and bit or so and her debut full length, Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit, has been a truly refreshing token.
Barnett’s lyrics are whimsical, amusing, heart-felt and ever so clever, but she’s never patronising or pretentious with it, and that’s entirely what the three-piece portray a band that are pleased to be here and full of a jovial attitude that is nothing but infectious.
Album opener ‘Elevator Operator’ opens proceedings tonight and the song’s addictive qualities play through, as the bands lo-fi grungey garage sound drive the set as the crowd hang onto Barnett’s every sentence.
“I wrote this song based on an email my mum sent me” Barnett introduces older track ‘Are You Looking After Yourself’’, still the majority of tonight’s set is lifted from …Sit; ‘Dead Fox’, ‘Depreston’, ‘Debbie Downer’, the latter of which Barnett states is “about shit friends… are they with you?” with a chirpy grin, are all lapped up.
The set is accompanied by some intriguing visuals, some of which are sadly restricted by the over hanging bed sheet, but as images of crying monsters hit the backdrop some lone punter attempts that horrid chant (you know the one), thankfully it’s quickly kicked in the teeth despite Barnett’s somewhat naïve encouragement.
‘Avant Gardener’ could be argued the track that led Barnett’s road to success and it goes down a treat tonight as the venue mutters each sweetly speak-sung word under their breath, before a rocked out version of recent single ‘Pedestrian At Best’ takes us into an encore.
Swimming song ‘Aqua Profunda!’ kicks off said encore, before a slight hilarity ensues as a woman shouts “has anyone seen my husband?” to which one of Barnett’s band members quips “he’s my husband now” in true League of Gentlemen style.
A cover of The Easybeats’ ‘I’ll Make You Happy’ closes proceedings and leaves everyone more than satisfied.
I missed Barnett’s previous visit to Glasgow, but did catch her last summer in the early afternoon sun of Primavera, where her voice seemed lost in the sea air, tonight cuts a truly different image, it’s a strong bold performance that oozes charm and one everyone in attendance tonight will look forward to seeing again.
Words: Iain Dawson
Photos: Warrick Beyers
