Well, it had to happen. Bluesbunny finally attempts a review whilst sober. The normally welcoming surroundings of the Liquid Ship in Glasgow even seemed cold and uninviting. What, after all, is the point of a bar when you are not going to get fuelled up? Lost in a moment of indecision, Bluesbunny actually had to ask the advice of the Barry the barman. Eventually, it was decided that an alcohol free German lager would be the drink for the evening on the grounds that it looked like a real drink. At least Free Candy Sessions style real music would be available from Furious, Carrie MacDonald, Salon Society and Ohio.
The first victim of this review is Furious. It turns out that he is from Edinburgh and he appears quite pleased that he has a decent sized crowd. Not that surprising as we have fewer art galleries in Glasgow and therefore have to spend our free time in the pub. Sitting atop a high stool, he did not appear angry let alone furious and neither did his songs suggest repressed rage. In fact they seemed rather reflective especially "In My Bloodstream". Having said that he certainly picked up the pace towards the end of his short set with the ingredients of good, old fashioned rock song evident in "Born of You". Worth watching out for.
Next under the microscope is Carrie MacDonald. She is from Edinburgh too so Bluesbunny surmises that there must be a special deal going on train tickets. However, Ms MacDonald turns out to be a bit of a special deal herself. Initially nervous, she soon settles down and gives it laldy (a Glasgow expression that is not normally associated with those from the east coast). "Safe in My Arms" shows real passion, for example, as did "Stop". She really went to town on her last song "I'm Worth It" as well, hinting that she has power and energy to spare. The audience seemed suitably impressed and she got plenty of applause on her departure from the stage. Bluesbunny thinks that she will be welcomed back with open arms next time she is in Glasgow.
Edinburgh is doing pretty well so far but it is now time for Glasgow to fight back. Doing it for us this time is Salon Society. They have come mob handed this time with four of them taking to the stage. It has not been that long since Bluesbunny last heard them perform (little more than 2 weeks, actually) but they are clearly determined to regain Glasgow's honour and indeed they give a sterling performance. In fact, they have never sounded better. That lovely piece of poetry, "Jasmine", soared with some exquisite harmonies. "Don't Die Inside" is normally a bit of a drama but tonight it damn near rocked the house. Lead singer Roxanne seemed rather restrained tonight - she is renowned for her wild arm waving antics when she hits the groove - but at this point even she couldn't keep herself still. It might have been the lack of alcohol but this Bluesbunny started to formulate a plan to kidnap them all and lock them up in the subterranean studios beneath Bluesbunny Towers and make them record an album.
Last on tonight are Ohio. Starting off as two guys with acoustic guitars, they give us a familiar line in melodic country rock. Very harmonious, of course, and they do it well but they gain a bit of sonic individuality when they add on some fine female harmonies for "September". Their up-tempo songs like "Same Old You" worked rather well it has to be said but they were a bit under rehearsed and that showed through in their performances. There is promise there however so Bluesbunny will check them out again.
It was a close one tonight. It looked like Edinburgh was going to mop the floor with Glasgow with a top performance from Carrie MacDonald giving them a substantial lead. The Salon Society crew saved the day with a powerhouse set that evened the score. So, tonight will be declared a draw with the true winner being the audience's ears.