I must admit, I watched the first half of my team's game, then rushed to the venue. I am not a fan of the Garage at all. As a music venue I think they are too focused on making sure everyone is out bang on time, so they can prepare to open as a club, and often the music can just get lost in the space of the main room where gigs take place. But I wanted to catch this band live so I bit the bullet and got myself up there.
My night did not start well as we missed the start of the set due to over zealous bouncers quizzing me about where I had been before (this is normal practice for them at the club) and subsequently confiscating almost everything in my bag, including a squashed mars bar that had managed to survive over 2 weeks at the bottom of my bag! By the time I arrived upstairs the band were on, the girls in the crowd were going nuts and the guys there, well, they were actually just as bad as the girls! Any thoughts I had that the football might lure folk away were well and truly misguided!
The Welsh 5 piece may have started making music to avoid boredom but now they are making it for the masses that flock to see them. They have been selling out shows all over the UK and have certainly gained some firm followers in the process. As they rocked through songs from newly available album 'Smart Casual', the Glasgow crowd rollicked around and sang in unison. Could they really have mastered all the words of the album already?! It seemed so. Much to the pleasure of singer Aled Phillips who had girls throwing t shirts at him and a few other items though I am not sure what!
Latest single from the lads 'Give Me What I Want' had the place jumping, literally. Such a catchy tune and played brilliantly live. I would have liked to have seen it in a better venue. But not even my hatred of the Garage could spoil my enjoyment.
The energy these guys have and the effort they put into their live performances is testament to their drive to make it. This after drummer Philip Jenkins pushed for more dedication to the cause back when it was just for fun.
Single 'Easy Tiger' was another gem that shone on the night. With Andrew Shay tickling away at the bass and Iain Mahanty and Joel Fisher showing us that practice makes, almost, perfect on the guitar. I mean, they're good, but no ones perfect at this early stage in the music game. This was the song that when I first heard it I thought we may have stumbled upon something worth seeing. 'Dance All Night' is a song I had not heard prior to the gig but after this I know I will listen again. Same goes with 'Pillow Talk' which I know they done an acoustic version of for MTV, and it was great. To be honest, with the fans already smitten with these guys I am not sure they could do much wrong in their eyes. With many saying this was the best they had seen them live, a theme I am sure will continue with every gig they play.
As a newbie in terms of Kids In Glass Houses I think it is safe to say that I may be popping onto the internet shortly to purchase the album. I would say do not just judge on the album as these youngsters need to be witnessed live to enjoy the true experience. You will find yourself very quickly tapping your feet and boppin' your head to their tunes. 'Fisticuffs' is a great rocky one for said tapping, or thrashing as the crowd at the front prove.
Despite the venue, sticky floor and all, I left with only one disappointment; I had missed my team win the league. But that can be recaptured in many, many repeats of the game. Live performances that change your view on a band, and perhaps have you wanting to see them again are not as easy to recapture. I will be sure to check them out again next time they visit here and with a slot at T in the Park so will many others. They might not be everyone's cup of tea, but a good live band is a good live band at the end of the day, and their catchy tunes and hard work onstage are all part of our entertainment. It is hard to not enjoy the infectious following and chanting. Much as I thought I wouldnt since I was in such a mood to begin with! Good work guys!
article by: Karen Rennie
published: 27/05/2008 18:46
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.