Glasvegas

Always prided myself on spotting talented new bands before anyone else (in my circle at least). In the past this included U2, The Cure, Oasis and Arctic Monkeys. I've obviously lost it as I've got older because I'd never heard of Glasvegas. I think not reading the NME every week has something to do with it too.

So are Glasvegas any good ?

Well, they remind me of the Jesus and Mary Chain from the 1980s. Both are from Glasgow, both wear black, both have loud fuzzy guitars, both have melody and both have a drummer who stands up and wouldn't get in most bands.

But they differ in two important ways.

Firstly, they write lyrics that mean something. They write about getting stabbed, having a fight, needing a social worker, football violence and other things they have experienced. The JAMC only ever wrote about being happy when it rains, taking drugs or having sex.

Secondly, their melodies are more Diana Ross and the Supremes than the Beach Boys.

So out with the old and in with the new.

Glasvegas played to a small crowd in a small, dark and badly-ventilated venue. Just the type of venue I like. And lots of Scottish people were there which is always a risk for everyone else.

The lead singer wore shades and couldn't possibly see anything including the neck of his guitar or whether his band mates had joined him on stage.

I realised I should have bought the album because then I would have known more than 2 songs and the odd fragment I'd come across on Youtube.

The first track soared and set the tone. It ended in a sad lament of "You Are My Sunshine". This song was about a child being murdered.

To be honest, the rest was a bit of a blur and when a band only have 10 songs it is all over quickly. And they don't do encores. That wouldn't be cool.

But 8 quid well spent (plus drinks). Glasvegas deserve the acclaim. They have put in the work over many years and their songs and attitude will take them places. Sadly, as is always the case, I know that next time they play the venue will be bigger, they be will much further away, the ticket price will double and there will be hundreds of people in the way. And there may even be air conditioning.