Tonight’s treat on the Glaswegian musical agenda is nothing more than a hidden gem for the ones that get off on bluesy melodies, fast pace guitar riffs and husky metallic vocal delights.
The music coming from the basement is already tantalizing, attracting people one by one down the spiral staircase leading to the obscure venue.
‘Build, Destroy, Rebuild’ sends the whole audience on the right tracks with its incisive punk/pop beats bouncing back and forth in the tiny location.
The music collides with the setting in harmony, as if the place had been built up only for bands that provide very guttural and gruffly sound able to make anyone’s eardrums on the verge of popping out.
‘Nobody Moves’ fastens the pace, letting the audience witness the obvious influence of Dan Auerbach on the band’s second opus, however even if the vocals on most tracks sparkle with the guidance of The Black Keys’ lead singer, Hanni El Khatib’s style is a bit more exuberant and animated.
After getting acquainted with the audience, ‘Moonlight’ resonates through the low ceiling basement, widening the band’s musical palette with a dangerous almost spellbinding guitar riff darkening the spirits, rendering the punters almost submissive to their own enchanted body movements.
‘Dead Wrong’ echoes as a soothing remedy and feels as sweet as the pursuit of the summer sensation, so rarely reachable in this part of the northern territories.
The band’s sound is a magical tool able to transport an entire audience into a place and time they have never been before; for instance, when ‘You Rascal You’ detonates with its heavy riff, the atmosphere gets electric.
The enchanting vocals almost seem to conjure up spirits right in front of an already conquered crowd.
After introducing the full band and shouting: “and in the choir we’ve got you guys!” the lead singer and the bassist decide to jump in the crowd while playing one of their last songs; fully sharing their first Glaswegian experience with the crowd that lifted them up all night long.
But the night does not end up on this note, after being recalled for a final farewell, the band asks everyone to come join them on stage, resulting on a gentle stage invasion sealing the deal on a night that surpasses all expectations.
Words: Jeremy Veyret
Photos: Daphne Michalaki
