Liars @ Stereo 9/8/10

Liars have been very consistent in quality since forming 10 years ago, and while touring perhaps their most critically acclaimed release to date, Sisterworld, Stereo is dumbfounded at how tonight’s show has undersold.

Tonight’s support comes from Glasgow’s own Milk, who come across come as much a blast from the past as it is a look to the future. We, at Rokbun, covered them at the Captain’s Rest last month.

By the time Liars take the stage, it is clear the now swelling, but not quite capacity, crowd are all here to catch to Brooklyn based trio, bolstered to a five-piece for this evening’s performance.

Draped in smoke and green light tonight’s heroes emerge. Frontman Angus Andrew strikes an imposing figure, but as his uniquely expressionate stage antics kick in a confidence fills the room; they are watching a band at the height of their game.

Advancing into the powerful ‘Scarecrows on a Killer Slant’ the band look in their stride. Andrew then expels a more touching side announcing they’ll play a track he wrote while staying in Glasgow but they don’t play live often, before moving into the almost heartfelt murder ballad ‘Scissor’ which explodes into full on noise-punk.

Liars aren’t afraid to show off their more humorous side as Aaron Hemphill, on synth and guitar duties, jokes with a crowd member sporting Wu-Tang Clan merch. Displaying his knowledge of Wu-Tang Hemphill jibes at his favourite album is Wu-Tang Forever stating: “I’m not posing man, I read both books.”

The heat in the Stereo basement rises throughout the set, but Andrew keeps up his passionate dazed dances as the band power through Sisterworld tracks ‘No Barrier Fun’, ‘Here Comes All the People’ and ‘The Overachievers’.

Perhaps the standout of the night comes from 2007’s self-titled album in the form of ‘Clear Island’. The track’s throbbing keyboards and chanting lyrics have even the questionable fan nodding along.

Performances of old and new favourites like ‘The Other Side of Mt. Heart Attack’ and ‘Proud Evolution’ only go further to demonstrate the band’s appeal. However, it is when they emerge as just a trio for the encore that the crowd really takes the show by the scruff of the neck, as chants of “blood” rain down on Stereo during an engrossing version of ‘Broken Witch’.

Liars may not have managed to fill out Stereo this time, but their disco vibed punk continues to capture the ears and imagination of everyone in attendance. As the word gets out and with their ever-growing popularity, we will surely see them playing a bigger venue next time around.

Photograph: Usman Malik

Wild Nothing @ Captain’s Rest 28/7/2010

It’s time again for the sound of 2010 to hit Glasgow. Tonight’s headliner, Wild Nothing, is the latest act to be labeled ‘dream pop’ that has set eyes a sparkling the world over, fans and critics alike.

The solo project of Virginia born Jack Tatum, tonight performing as a four-piece, visits Glasgow for the first time, promoting debut album Gemini.

Support tonight comes from Glasgow’s own Barn Owl, who treat us to calm wave of a set. The five-piece seem confident in their groove but outside of it the nerves look apparent. Despite this the twinkling of a xylophone and the occasion tune reminiscent of laid back Los Campesinos! the band form a delightful opener.

Tonight there is surprisingly room to move in Rest, which is odd considering the hype Wild Nothing has been receiving and the tiny venue. Still, the relatively few in attendance are treated a shy yet refined performance courtesy of this talented young man, who is continually gaining a deserved recognition.

The clattering of ‘Chinatown’ opens the set on an upbeat tone before Tatum drags us into a deep yet dreamy sulk, so brilliantly captured by this genres best, who Wild Nothing is among.

The beautiful album opener ‘Live in Dreams’ forms a stand out of the set as Tatum sings “that’s exactly why I’d rather live in dreams and I rather die” and the crowd grows ever closer to the glazed swagger evoked by he constant rhythm of Tatum’s backing.

Then the glaze is blasted open as the most danceable beat of the night hits the floor, as Tatum and co hit into arguably the albums most pop track ‘Bored Games’. Tatum keeps the high ground and ends the set on an optimistic point with current single and almost twee delight ‘Summer Holiday’.

The shy frontman leaves us on an apology, firstly for not being the most talkative onstage, this he is instantly forgiven, and once again as the crowd chants for more he shyly announces that they had this last night but they have no more songs.

Wild Nothing may not be dripping with the pop sensibilities that the more popular members of this scene embody, however, both live and record he has is a gem which will be cherished by many who have taken this scene to heart.

Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti @ Captain’s Rest 3/6/10

With the Halt Bar Hijack just along the road the area is jam packed with live music fans. This hands the perfect scenario to much hyped avant-garde musician Ariel Pink to play his own set just a skip away at the Captain’s Rest.

Many have taken a quick time out from the Hijack to catch the LA based act, with his band Haunted Graffiti. As a result the show is sold out very quickly and we find the tiny basement of the Rest once again at it’s sweaty best by the time the headliners come on.

Before the venue gets packed to the brims we are treated to a couple of local acts to get the early comers warmed up. First on are We’re Only Afraid Of NYC, who’s alternative indie borders on the expansive without really breaking any barriers.

Next are the more interesting, yet not as well received, Paws who up the energy and the volume with a number of powerful punk enthused alternative tracks.

The one trouble with a packed Captain’s Rest, aside the intense heat, is vision, if you aren’t near the front you aren’t going to see very much. So, with having to guess what the band looks like your ears are left to do the judging.

With agitation building in the crowd, as the Graffiti take a good time fidgeting with equipment, the band finally fire into their set, opening with the funky ‘Don’t Think Twice (Love)’ from Ariel’s 2004 debut Doldrums. The track’s grooved up bassline coupled with Ariel’s obscure yet impressive vocal changes, switching from a high squeal to a deep boom and everywhere in between, provide an ideal start.

The Graffiti’s latest release, Before Today, has been receiving much hype all over the music press and with it only out a week many tonight are here to see what it can offer in a live environment.

The flowing dreamy pop tones of 60s garage cover ‘Bright Lit Blue Skies’ is the first chance we get to sample the new material and it does not let down. The soaring beautiful chorus drags the listener in and as Ariel sticks to one vocal pattern it gives a nice coherence not found in much of their older material.

Indeed it is Ariel’s vocals that many will raise a question over, the constant changing and sometimes odd positions of his voice can occasionally come across as grating.

However, these eccentrics, love them or hate them, are tied down more of the new release and as a result the band have found their feet commercially. Still, a vast amount of the set is built up of old material and some who have only heard the new release will struggle to accept the more taxing material.

Closing, before a relatively pointless encore, on their hit of the minute ‘Round and Round’ the Graffiti reach the peak of their set. The single has become an indie centerpiece for 2010 and best signifies the band’s move form psychedelic awkwardness to dream filled pop bliss.

Ariel Pink appears to be gradually moving away from his past musical haunts, and while live he still clings to the past, there is still quality here in abundance. Finishing just in time for a run back along to the Halt to catch Holy Mountain and Eternal Fags, the Graffiti provide a perfect pop injection to a damp Sunday evening.

Photograph: Sam Fenn

Stag & Dagger 22/5/10

Huge queuing problems plagued Stag & Dagger last year with the unfounded early set time for Frightened Rabbit in the ABC. This year the festival seems to have learnt its lesson and left the big crowd pullers until later in the day.

First on at the ABC are Brooklyn’s much hyped, but still relatively unknown, The Antlers, who deliver dream filled indie rock to a slowly growing crowd. The Antlers may have released a brilliant album in ‘Hospice’ but tonight they seem slightly out of their depth in the huge ABC1.

Frontman Peter Silberman’s vocals are drowned out in early part of the set, but as the band build in confidence and the more accessible songs enter the fray the problems fade into obscurity. Latest single ‘Two’ provides the tonight’s standout but we look forward to seeing them play in more suitable surroundings in the near future.

A quick skip across the way and you’re in the Nice n’ Sleazy’s basement in plenty of time for a powerful set from noise punk trio Male Bonding. The London based trio keep the fast, noisy hooks commonly associated with punk rock but drop the unneeded sleaze.

Tonight they deliver a short yet exhilarating set which leaves the audience eagerly awaiting their next visit north of the border. Male Bonding went under our radar when they supported Vivian Girls last May but with debut album ‘Nothing Hurts’ just out they’ll be turning more than our heads in 2010.

Staying on at Sleazy’s sees you catch Glasgow based, female fronted hardcore punk act Divorce, who pull out all the stops in keeping the crowd from dashing off to see the likes of We Were Promised Jetpacks and A Place to Bury Strangers. Even a broken string doesn’t get in the way too much as they entertain with bursts from Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’ as the problem gets sorted.

A mad dash up the hill to the Art School catches the end of Titus Andronicus, the bearded punks are on usual top form. The band leader, Patrick Stickles, keeps up the energy ploughing through tracks from both their brilliant releases.

We’ve covered these guys a lot in the past and this certainly won’t be the last, recently released album ‘Monitor’ is more than deserving of the band returning for another headline visit to Glasgow.

Staying on at the Art School keeps your toes bouncing as we await our most eagerly anticipated set of the night and Sleigh Bells do not let down. The Brooklyn duo bombards us with waves of electronic attitude while Alexis Krauss’ infectious squeal drags the crowd into a mass of dancing.

Sleigh Bells have a lot of things on their side, despite not being everyone’s cup of tea, their music passes many genre barriers and some of their tracks would not look out of place in the charts. Album stand out ‘Crown on the Ground’ is possibly the best example of the duos cross over charms and is greeted with a joyous sing-along tonight.

Each track of a ridiculously energetic set is met with more and more enthusiasm by a crowd who may have just met their new favourite act of the moment. We certainly look forward to seeing them back in Glasgow, if you’ve not checked these guys out yet go get your hands on their debut album ‘Treats’, it’s bound to be up there in those end of year lists.

With something to offer for everyone S&D seems to have been a resounding success; each venue is buzzing with people whether it’s to see the pop charms of Wild Beasts or the booming dubstep of Joker. Treks to the Captain’s Rest or Stereo may be areas where question marks could be raised but I’m pretty sure we haven’t seen the last of S&D.

Photograph: Alan Dunlop

Wolf Parade @ Oran Mor 19/5/10

The last time I saw Spencer Krug he was fronting his now established art rock side-project Sunset Rubdown at a half-full Stereo. This time the multi talented frontman brings what is widely regarded as his main project, Wolf Parade, for their first trip to Glasgow in a long time. The atmosphere has upped a notch from that show, the larger Oran Mor is almost full and as the band take to the stage bathed in red light excitement is brewing.

Opening with ‘You Are A Runner and I Am My Father’s Son’ under the flicker of pink neon Krug and co look just at home. The song taken from 2005 standout ‘Apologies to the Queen Mary’ forms a strong opener and indeed it is songs from this record that cause the biggest responses from the crowd.

‘Dear Sons and Daughters of Hungry Ghosts’ is easily one of the stand out songs of the set, lifting the crowd from its synth drenched daze to one of genuine clap along elation. The soaring ‘I’ll Believe in Anything’ quickly follows as the band builds up momentum.

Wolf Parade clearly know which songs will receive the best response but are also keen to air some of their new material. Upcoming album ‘Expo 86’ is due out at the end of June but early signs show promise, delicious electronic, almost space age promise. Still, Krug thanks the crowd for listening, calling us “sweethearts” before defending his drink: “This actually looks like piss but it’s just Scotch and water.”

It is important to note Wolf Parade is not just about Krug, in fact he shares vocals with guitarist Dan Boeckner also of Handsome Furs. It is Boeckner who brings the set to a brilliant end calling from ‘Apologies’ again for ‘Shine a Light’ before ending on the whimsical ‘Kissing a Beehive’.

Tonight’s set may have gone on a bit longer than many would have liked but how else are a band to showcase new material while cramming in the favourites. This Canadian four-piece certainly know what there are doing, so expect to hear a lot more about them when the new album hits shelves.

Photograph: Ingrid Mur

All Tomorrow’s Parties curated by Matt Groening @ Butlins, Minehead 7-9/5/10

All Tomorrow’s Parties may be one of the most unique and wondrous festivals you will ever have the privilege to attend. With it now passing a decade in existence the success of the event goes without saying.

This weekend sees the festival curated by The Simpsons creator, Matt Groening, who has put together a wide variety of different acts and other entertainment to keep us occupied all weekend.

The most bizarre thing about ATP is its location within a Butlins holiday camp, but these surroundings more than suit a festival. Chalets provide the comfort and cleanliness a tent never could and while all the regular Butlins entertainment is not valid, bowling, swimming and cinema are all welcome additions to a festival environment.

A short jaunt from the festival gates and you’re at the seaside. This would act as more of a delight on that sunny day we sadly never got this weekend. Still, delicious ice cream, seaside fish ‘n’ chips and arcades are all pleasant additions to the weekend.

On top of that there is the sheer delightful novelty of being able to travel part of the way to the festival via steam train.

After settling into your chalet and having a cooked meal, you’re just in time to dash up to the main arena and a quick jump up the stairs, to the ultra dark Centre Stage, to catch the end of the wonderfully atmospheric bliss of Broadcast.

Cold Cave quickly follow and treat us to a more upbeat electronic affair, blasting us with deliciously dark electronic gems.

It’s Friday evening and not even dark in the main Pavilion before many people’s act of weekend take the stage and Iggy & the Stooges don’t let down. That raw power of the original releases may have quelled, but the energy Iggy expels onstage is phenomenal, as the 63 year old singer springs around the stage longer and more exuberantly than people half his age would manage.

Old favourites ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’ and ‘1969’ are present as ATP enjoys it’s most rowdy moment of the weekend.

A late night set from the excellent noise rock aficionados Liars rounds off the evening superbly as they showcase their superb new album ‘Sisterworld’ to a far travelled and now sleep fighting audience.

Everyone is wide awake and buzzing to go by Saturday and sight of Matt Groening signing posters at the merch stand has caught many a person’s attention. However, it is the Pavilion which forms the first port of call for today’s musical adventures.

Atalanta’s indie rock wonders Deerhunter are keen to impress early in the day. The band’s frontman probably the festival’s biggest fan boy, Bradford Cox, sings the praises of the mouth-watering line-up ahead between sweetly executed tracks, including single ‘Nothing Ever Happened’.

For many just the sight of Zooey Deschanel would leave them in a mystical daze, but her combination with M. Ward in She & Him shows a more adorable side to the singer/actress. The duo glides through a delightful set of country-tinged pop, including the wonderfully catchy ‘Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?’

Next up is the African blues of the mesmorising blind duo of Amadou & Mariam whose endearing personalities only emphasise the huge spectacle that is their music.

A late night trip to Centre Stage sees you catch the dream filled beauty that is a Panda Bear set. The Animal Collective’s ‘pop’ link delivers a sleepy set of beautiful soundscapes, lulling the entire audience into a hazy world of wonder.

Then it’s off to Butlins country themed club location Crazy Horse for a dance or a wander to find a chalet party, who knows, you may bump into The XX.

After a Sunday filled with Butlins and seaside delights soon comes to time to hit the stages again. Daniel Johnston provides the perfect start to the day’s musical offerings, as the lo-fi cult hero delivers his quiveringly beautiful heart-felt lyrics to an adoring audience.

There’s a bit of a wait until the next act but it’s more than worth it. It is questionable that you will find anyone as wonderful as Joanna Newsom in the world of music today let alone in this line-up, and this festival crowd clearly agree, as he queues for Centre Stage stems way past the Pavilion.

The Californian singer-songwriter does not let down, whether singing, playing the piano, plucking or even tuning her harp she does not sway from the enchanting.

After a jaunt over to the under used Reds venue to catch a rare set from The Raincoats, then drifting off to the electronic bliss of The XX at Centre Stage before CocoRosie end the festival on a kooky alternative pop high.

Then it’s off to more parties or back to the chalets for 3am for Evil Dead 2 on the Groening curated ATP TV.

Matt Groening has curated one of the most memorable and varied ATP line-ups seen, but the sheer childhood glee of the location makes for the ideal festival. Belle & Sebastian are curating the Bowlie 2 ATP in December if you’ve not yet got your chalet booked get on it right away.

65daysofstatic @ Oran Mor 3/5/10

Just a year ago 65daysofstatic would just be another post-rock act that melded into the scene like so many others, brilliant technically but no real reason why lyrics could not be added to improve the tracks as a whole. Now the Sheffield four-piece find themselves turning heads with a new more electronic, almost drum n’ bass style. New album ‘We Were Exploding Away’ has provided on record the exciting sound we had been hearing live since last summer.

Support tonight comes from London based electronic trio Nedry, who treat us to a delightful set branching across a variety of different electronic genres. The comparisons Nedry have received to acts such as Björk and Mogwai just go to demonstrate how diverse a sound these guys have and tonight certainly showed signs that they could be an attractive prospect for the future.

After the mellow wonder expelled by Nedry, 65dos provide a powerful alternative as all four members emerge full of energy and blast through a set comprised mainly from their new full length. Shrewbury, Wolinski and Wright throw themselves at the front of the stage almost the entire set whether playing with synths or slamming against guitars or bass. Even drummer Rob Jones adds to the band’s awesome presence appearing centre stage from time to time hammering down a beat.

While individual tracks prove hard to label, due to lack of lyrics, in your average 65dos set their songs still have solid structure and the new tracks carry enough strength that could see them inserted into the set of many a top DJ without anyone being left upset.

Tonight Oran Mor is buzzing with all varieties of people, over enthusiastic slam dancing and crowd surfing don’t seem fitting to some but throwing post rockers in the mixing pot with those looking for some hard electronic edge you are never going to keep everyone happy. Despite this mixed crowd the band successfully deliver managing to impress on all fronts. Even those who have been with them from the start are treated with ‘Radio Protector’ providing a delightful standout in an encore of post-rock gems prize picked from their previous three albums.