This was a real going-out-on-a-limb, no-expectations gig for me. No one threw the band my way. I didn’t see them as a support act previously. I came across them when looking to return to the QMU for another gig after seeing Brooke Combe there and wanting to return to the venue for further gigs. I didn’t want to leave it too long for my return and … looking through the list upcoming gigs and having a vague memory of someone on SMOG (Simple Minds Official Group page on Facebook) posting about them some time, I checked out NOL’s music on Spotify, liked what I heard and booked a ticket.
In the interim, I have been delving into their catalogue whilst in between listening to Hamish Hawk (ad nauseam) as well as Sparks and any other new bands that pique my interest. The more I listen to them, the more I like them. I was fairly familiar with some of the songs played last night – not to the degree where I could sing along or anything, or knew the titles of them but I could recognise tunes.
I got to the QMU just before 7pm having set off from home as a thunderstorm was sweeping over Glasgow. If you know me at all, you will know how petrified I am of thunderstorms. Mercifully it wasn’t a strong thunderstorm and the UK doesn’t suffer the kind of thunderstorms Australia does (hence why I am very fearful of them – if you’ve ever experienced a thunderstorm in Oz, you’ll be all too familiar with how powerful and intense they are). By the time I got to Hillhead subway, the worst of the storm was over.
As I arrived the bands were still soundchecking. This caused a delay in doors opening and a slight knock-on with a delay in the performance times. The first support act was due on at 7.15pm but didn’t start until closer to 7.30pm. They’re a Dutch band called Mood Bored – a three piece comprising drums, bass and guitar. The vocals are performed mostly by the female bass player, or in duet with the male drummer. Their style harks back to a 90s grunge/indie sound to me. They were pretty decent. Lively – very engaging with the small crowd that arrived early to see them. I haven’t as yet explored any of their music but I’m sure I’ll give them a listen on Spotify.
A side note – I was up the front, dead centre, at the barrier. For a while I was Billy No Mates up there and had the whole barrier and front to myself. The band asked everyone else that was there to come forward and stand nearer the barrier. A few songs in and the guitarist looks at me and gives me a wink! What? Hello! Lol. Now, I’m a 52 year old hag and fat fucker. Young guys giving me winks happens VERY RARELY – it wouldn’t even happen that often when I was thin and 20! It’s one thing to have Jim Kerr poke his tongue out at me – him just teasing because he knows I fancy him something rotten! Lol. But this guy? He’d be lucky if he was 25. Young enough to be my son – and he’s winking at me?! I did kind of blush and smile, I have to admit. Thanks, buddy. You made an old hag very happy.
The next act on is called Glove. I can’t find a lot of detail on them to be fair. I think from what I could make out, they are also from New York – or at least from the U.S.A anyway. Another three-piece. This time guitar, synths and vocals. The main male vocalist had a very demure style about him. Very much in his own world and not particularly engaging with the crowd. To me he had this look of being the love child of Steve Marriott and Ian Brown. The female member of the band swapped synth duties with him after several songs and she took over the vocals. Again, I’d be happy to check them out of Spotify to see how their catalogue sounds.
Last night at the QMU the sound didn’t seem as if it was as good as it was for Brooke Combe. I don’t know whether because there was not a good soundman looking after things, or whether because I put myself right at the front of the stage because for Brooke I was towards the back and to the right side of the stage. A combination of both things, perhaps? It made it hard to pick out of the vocals of the two support acts, especially when Mood Bored were performing.
It wasn’t until 9pm did Nation Of Language come to the stage. They were due to start their set at 8.45pm but the late start meant a 15 minute delay through the evening.
Again, NOL are a three-piece, comprising synths, bass and guitar. The male lead singer at times alternates between playing guitar and synths but mostly is performing vocals only. He’s got a great stage presence. He really likes to move about the stage, throwing shapes and emoting. I really liked his performing style. They sound really good live. There were a few technical hitches. Mostly to do with programming on the female synth player’s kit going awry. Songs were stopped a couple of times until the programming was sorted. Unfortunately it meant their set was shorter than it should have been as they were set for a strict 10pm finish. The vocalist, Ian, apologised profusely and said “we’ll make it up to you next time, we promise.” The crowd were understanding and were very enthusiastic and appreciative. They went down a storm and performed to the highest level when the technical gremlins weren’t out to get them. I would definitely see them again when they next tour Scotland. They return to the UK in Sept/October but there are no Scottish dates. The nearest they come is Newcastle, which I’d have happily ventured to but it’s at the same time as The Anchoress playing the Union Chapel in London and I have booked tickets for that. Other than Newcastle, they’re playing Brighton, Bristol, Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield. Check out their social media for ticketing details.
Next up for me is a Dutch band called The Klittens. They play Broadcast on Tuesday night.
I heard a couple of HH songs live yesterday. Cycled through Leith Links and he was playing in a big circus style big-top as support to The Proclaimers. A couple of hundred yards away on the same park space two separate cricket matches were taking place! I stopped for a wee bit to listen to the music and watch the cricket ( not that I had the foggiest idea what was going on ?)
Fair play to you Larelle for getting out of your comfort zone and going to these gigs. Sometimes do that myself as well.?
Thanks, Scobes. Hamish has been a busy guy. I went into a draw to win tickets for the Proclaimers show at Leith Links but had no luck. He?s announced a European tour today, has young Hamish. Would love to go to Dublin, Copenhagen or FINALLY get to Berlin but that won?t be happening. I still have gigs to look forward to anyway, so it?s all good. ???