The Classic Grand, 9 March (Moved from the QMU)
As I stood in the queue outside the Classic Grand, the most recent album release by bdrmm, Microtonic, continue to play as it had been playing regularly throughout the preceding few days.
The majority of reviews have given a very favourable response to this their third album, identifying a move away from a purely shoegaze perspective to one more electronic in nature and with a newfound confidence in much of the new work.
The four band members, Ryan Smith (vocals, guitar, synthesizer), Jordan Smith (vocals, bass, synthesizer), Joe Vickers (guitar, bass) and Conor Murray (drums) delighted the audience, and maybe even themselves with a very carefree, yet polished set of songs showcasing, as you would expect, tracks from the recent album and some of the best of their earlier output too.
However, the tracks played weren’t mere mirror images of what has been put down on record. Each was enhanced by a quality of sound that reverberated around the venue. There were bits of fuzz, bits of feedback, patched together with quieter interludes where only Ryan could be seen and heard picking notes from his guitar. There was a group cohesiveness which brought the best out of each as individuals and enriched the songs that had made their way onto the setlist.
The only time the group identity seemed lost was when Conor had to leave the stage to visit the little boys room. That he hadn’t bothered to signal that to any of the other three left them slightly bewildered and the audience amused.
The music ebbed and flowed throughout the set, starting quietly and gradually growing into a crescendo of noise not unlike Mogwai for whom the supported at The Barrowland Ballroom not too long ago. Ryan and Joe’s guitar work throughout was a joy to watch and listen to, switching between rhythm and lead as required.
Throughout proceedings, Jordan acted as the cheerleader for the band, enthusing the audience to cheer, clap and even singalong to the songs if they dared. While the response may have been a bit lack lustre, there was no denying the enjoyment being felt by the crowd as heads bobbed and weaved to the sounds come from the speakers. The cheers got louder as the set progressed and the expected encore gave everyone watching one last chance to show their appreciation.
Memorable songs? There was nothing that immediately stands out as the bands signature tune. Not a criticism in the least as the whole set was peppered with the music and creativity to refresh songs from their catalogue that added up to a very agreeable occasion.
From their support act to headline act, and the new album, the band have certainly moved up the gears. The direction of travel is a positive one based on this particular show, and I look forward to seeing them again, hopefully in a bigger venue with a bugger audience delighting in watching them play.
Support Act – Kilgour
Kilgour describe themselves as ‘grumpy rock from Glasgow’.
They may be from Glasgow; there’s no denying that. I would, however, be happy to take the stand to plead their innocence about being ‘grump rock’ though.
Support acts in general can get little or no accolades for their work ahead of the headline acts, partly because the headliner’s fans tend to drift in not long before the known stage times for the band and are quite happy to chat with their friends while supping a drink or two.
Kilgour, being local though, seemed to have attracted a few of their own fans on the night and the rest of us early birds were treated to a fine set of songs from their album How To Put Your Hat On which was released by local record label Last Night From Glasgow.
The songs were sharp, bright and were definitely toe tappers. The band seemed to be enjoying themselves too which is always a bonus.
If there are two Kilgours, could the other one please stand up, because these guys are giving grumpy rock a bad name!
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