It doesn’t feel like it’s been less than a year since I first saw Ist Ist at The Caves but it was indeed back on May 1st last year that I had my first taste of Ist Ist live. I had loved the experience so much that I then bought a ticket to the rescheduled gig at Huddersfield for only a week or so later have the band announce a set of autumn gigs which brought them to Glasgow and Oran Mor. That left me with a ticket I couldn’t shift for Huddersfield as for some stupid reason, if you buy a resale ticket, you can’t re-sell that ticket. A hard lesson learned by me.
That aside, the Oran Mor gig was fantastic and only cemented my feelings on Ist Ist being a fantastic live band. When these album launch shows were announced I was so hopeful they’d do a show in Scotland. Much to my relief they were returning to Edinburgh so I was happy with that. As for the spring shows, it seemed as if I would be having to venture somewhere south of Hadrian’s Wall to see them. Mercifully before I invested in a ticket for somewhere else, they added some shows to the spring gigs and they were returning to Oran Mor. It was a no-brainer for me. Get in!
But on to Monday night. I had a wee chat to Adam (vocals/guitar) and Joel (drums) at the merch desk. They had recorded the show the previous night in Bury and were making it available as an exclusive run of 400 CDs, available at £4.99 from local indie store Wax and Bean. It was the day before pay day. I had to borrow money off Em to get to the gig and have a bite to eat – thankfully Bread Meats Bread was on the way to the venue and they offer 50% student discounts on Mondays. Fabulous! I had a burger, a side of poutine and a drink of Irn Bru for £13! No complaints from me, I tell ya! I would have loved to have got a copy of the CD but by the time I was paid, it had sold out. A bummer for me, but fantastic for the band.
They arrived on stage around 10 minutes after they were due on but with the new album just over 30 minutes long, the set was going to be short and sweet. The whole album sounded ace live, and they also performed two extra songs – both from the previous album Light a Bigger Fire, ‘Lost My Shadow’ and ‘The Kiss.’
I was in the company of Michelle and we queued after the show for the signing and meet and greet. Michelle had ordered a vinyl copy of the album but had decided not to bring it with her. I got a CD copy so I could bring it along with me and have it signed by the guys. With the few quid I had left I bought a pin badge which is awesome and almost looks like a coffin shape. I asked if I could have a photo taken with them which they were obliging with. I look like a serial killer and fat as fuck (which I am) but hey ho. It’s a memento.
We were back at Waverley by 9.30pm. Michelle caught the next train due while I wanted around to collect a Too Good To Go bag from Caffe Nero that I had ordered earlier in the afternoon. I couldn’t collect until 10pm and so I caught the following train back.
We both had a grand night and are looking forward to the show at Oran Mor in April.
Next up for me is Geese at the Barras on 21 March…which I’m still not solidly sold on. I want to see what all the fuss is about, for sure, but I know I could easily sell the ticket on if need be. I’ll see how things are closer to the time. But for now, I’m feeling more sure than I am going rather than not.
