Glasvegas - Live at Camden Koko
Hype, Hype, Hype, Hype, Hype, Hype...
Losing count of the number of times persuasive words of praise have raised
hopes and excitement in this gullible young fool, I have been overcome by
violent scepticism of anything that is supposed to 'change your life', 'rock
your world' or simply just be anything other than shite. One well-known
magazine in particular is so guilty of such filthy lies and propaganda, that
I could not help but spit scorn and derision on a positively glowing review
of a new Scottish band I read in its now sickly glossy pages. Once bitten,
twice shy I believe the saying goes; the singer does look like Joe Strummer
though.
Dubious of the description but an itch I had to scratch, I checked out
Glasvegas and my stupid face cracked a silly grin. They aren't just good
they're SPECIAL. I mean it. Seriously. On the strength of the handful of
songs available on the internet they have stolen my cheating heart and
returned that giddy and helpless faith.
Obviously the hype machine has been chugging away voraciously by the time
they reach the Camden Koko. Having played the considerably smaller Barfly
down the road the Friday previously, they have literally doubled in size in
a week. The socialites and posers of Club NME and the stragglers of the
earlier Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly gig pack into the grandiose setting almost
oblivious to the treat they are about to receive. Let's face it they would
watch anything they were told to. Older and wiser, the decision to park
myself rigidly on the barrier instead of dancing was an easy one to make.
Approaching midnight when the curtain went up, the timing is perfect for a
dose of heartbreaking, buckfast-soaked melancholy. Kicking off with the
devastatingly saddening imagery of 'Flowers and Football Tops', I am not
disappointed by the recreation of the shimmering delights of what's on
record. Standing tall, proud and decked out in a pair of already trademark
Ray-Bans, Singer James Allan is an icon you can't take your eyes off. With
a young leather clad Paul Simonon (bassist Paul), the post punk Hulk to his
right (Guitarist Rab), and the ever concentrating two drum assault of drummer
Caroline to the back, they look like a gang, a team, a BAND.
Blending into the glorious anti-Valentine of new single 'It's my own
cheating heart that makes me cry' with a sweet and whispery rendition of
'you are my sunshine' its effortless stuff. The front row breaks out into a
Morrissey-esque display of outstretched arms while mouthing those bizarrely
euphoric words "I feel so low and worthless - YEAH!" before the huge guitar
line kicks in with style and aplomb.
The stage banter is minimal with the occasional word of thanks not taking up
too much valuable song space. A hand to the heart with a thick Glaswegian
accent telling you "It means a lot" is all we and they need. 'Geraldine' and
'Go Square Go' are magnificently despatched before the announcement of
'Daddy's Gone' causes the crowd to holler with glee. The circular,
emotionally charged doo-wop anthem is the icing on the cake of a performance
that I will be boasting about my attendance at in 20 years time I'm sure
(The cherry being a cover of the classic 'Be my Baby' for good measure).
Amazingly, this isn't actually their gig and the headline band is due to
come on any minute. I sincerely apologise to 'New Cassettes' but not much
could follow that without spoiling it and I make a quick and advisable exit.
Apparently they signed the 'big deal' the next day so we were still
privileged to enjoy the best unsigned band in the country for the last time
before they are thrown to the mercy of the general public. Having been
around the block for a few years already they should take this in their
stride easily.
Not content to simply mimic their musical heroes, Glasvegas are heroes in
the making themselves, with clear and obvious influences but a sound and
purpose of their own. Don't trust me, I'm just a critic to whom the only
opinion that matters is his own, but I wholly recommend you savour this band
close up before they play Madison Square Gardens, take over the world and make Glasgow its capital.