Nordic Giants - Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow
The Nordic Giants are a phenomenon that defy categorisation, and break through any notion of fixed musical and art genres. They are playing tonight in the quite wonderful Cottiers Theatre in the west end of Glasgow. A converted church, where the main hall is characterised by stunning stained glass windows and a fabulous domed roof. The hall has been flooding a bit, such that the merchandise stalls have had to be moved, and the water literally brushed out. It just seems to add to the atmosphere.
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All the seats have been taken out from the hall, which allows the audience to gather around the stage in a quite intimate way. Two large PA stacks stand either side of the stage, which is populated with a drum kit and keyboards, and a large screen at the rear. Our two heroes walk gently onto the stage, dressed in really striking bird like plumage and feathers and bones, silhouetted in the blue light radiating from the stage. It's a dramatic and intriguing beginning.
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The Nordic Giants live experience is very cinematic. Themed short films show on the screen, and the band accompany the films with their own astonishing musical soundtrack, which feels almost completely in sync with the cinematic themes and story's, pouring out of the screen.
First up is a film that seems to be called Stardust, telling of a world where transgression results in transport to a lunar penal colony, never to return; and where on Earth it is an offence to conceal one's face in public. Gentle piano initially accompanies the film, and as the musical journey continues, there is a building crescendo of keyboards and drums, which roars out across the venue from the stage.
The Last Breath, a very disturbing film, begins with an older person in a breathing mask going into her house. The film then switches to a family out diving on the lake, who suddenly realise that everyone has died on the shore, and only their breathing apparatus is keeping them alive. The soundtrack from Nordic Giants is of a beautiful lilting piano refrain and bowed melodic electric guitar. However as the family fully realise their predicament they violently turn on each other, accompanied by the drums crashing and colliding with the disturbing scenes on the screen. The beautiful piano refrain now comes back at high intensity, as the only surviving family member falls to the ground; and the screen flashes the words...'To be continued'.
Film and music seem so gracefully in tune during the set, that the effect is simply mesmerising. Looking out from the side off the stage, the audience looks completely entranced by what they are seeing and hearing. Some of the music has the most wonderful of resonances...a synthesizer phrase that sounds like classic Yes, a vocal sample that sounds like the sublime Liz Fraser from the Cocteau Twins; and the music at key visual moments on the screen, exhibits the most breathtaking soars and swoops.
Rapture from the new album A Seance of Dark Delusions, featuring the superb Beth Cannon's vocal, emerging swan like from the backing tapes, is a case in point live. Her voice ascends to the heavens on a soaring jet stream of clattering keyboards and drums, swooping back to earth as the instruments slowly die away. Unbelievably good!
The encore of the film Jo Jo In The Stars, accompanied by Dissolve from the new album, features the vocalist and guitarist from supporting band Athousandfurs, in a sweet coda to the evening.... and we also see the coda of the film which was to be continued, as the surviving family member is shot dead by the older person, just as she finds a fresh supply of air.... very chilling!
This was a cinematic and musical experience to both assault and soothe all the senses. Completely amazing, and there is genius at work here with the Nordic Giants. If they are anywhere near you playing live, you absolutely must experience them!
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 2 available.