Unharm

The latest gig on our A to Z Musical Tour was ……

Over the years I’ve bought an album or three based purely on the ‘look’ of the cover. Taking a punt on what’s been recorded on the album being along the lines of expectations raised by the visual display.

Last night at The Glad Cafe in Shawlands Glasgow, I took a similar punt on the band Unharm, simply because it enabled me to tick off the letter ‘U‘ on our #AtoZMusicalTour.

A wee look around Spotify and it only had two recent tracks to offer on the band fronted by James Mackay and, on that basis alone I thought, if nothing else, it would be better than sitting at home watching TV. Expectations were being suitably managed.

How wrong could I have been.

I’m not sure what genetic pool James and drummer Alex Palmer spawned from, but for 89 minutes, they were actually counting, they delivered a totally immersive, non-stop soundscape of music that gave a nod to cinematic si-fi soundtracks, early Pink Floyd, a touch of Mogwai and so much more.

How anyone can rehearse an 89 minute soundtrack without an obvious break is beyond this writer. There was the occasional nod between both musicians suggesting there was a choreography at play on the night, however, you have to applaud the way both seamlessly kept the music together for that length of time.

There were no songs as such, more like musical movements. There were no vocals to latch on to. Definitely no verse – chorus – verse structure at any point of what was an instrumental masterclass.

James indicated at the outset we were in for an ambient chilled evening, even suggesting falling asleep would be OK by them. If this is the definition of ambient music, I’ll have a few more nights like this please.

There was little chance of sleep in the intimate venue as the sounds of guitar, keyboard and assorted gizmos, allied to a variety of drum beats kept the audience hooked throughout.

Online blurb sees the band described as follows:

Informed by jazz roots, the group blends electronic sounds from UK dance styles with dynamic improvisational performance. Sonically the band reaches from expansive ambience to heavy grooves; Unharm is searching for the spirit of human emotion in every element of its sound. 

However described, Unharm exceeded expectations. Based on last night’s performance alone, they are definitely on the watch list of bands to follow.

James and Alex, take a well deserved bow.

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The Venue

The Glad Cafe, 1006A Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G41 2HG

The Glad Cafe opened just over a decade ago with the aim to create an open, accessible, and supportive space, nurturing music and the arts in the heart of our Southside community. We’re a relaxed cafe by day and a bar and music venue by night, with food served from 10am-9pm. Our cooperative shop Glad Rags Thrift supports our sister charity, The Glad Foundation, in running music lessons and workshops for young people regardless of background or ability. We are not-for-profit, 100% vegan, and dog friendly.