The important stuff first. Bluesbunny actually got a decent pint of Guinness in Box. Perhaps the disease that has affected that part of Sauchiehall Street for so long has been cured. After all, Bluesbunny lifted the "bottled beers only" rating for Box's neighbour Sleazys the previous week. With happiness in hand, would tonight's entertainment courtesy of Equal an Opposite promotions (Streetlight Conspiracy, Narration, Journey Box and Ya Ya Club) maintain the mood?
The Yaya Club are on first. A duo that becomes a trio on demand tonight, they provide somewhat quirky entertainment for the ears with their offbeat folk meets country sound. As their voices merged and infused heartbreak into "One Night on the Town", it became clear that there was something special going on here. Laidback but with an underlying energy, their understated delivery had managed to hide the fact that the Yaya Club aren't doing this to get famous. They do it because they should be doing it. The fame, the stretch limo, the Lear Jet and the drugs would be nice but if that does not happen then all they need is a beer and a guitar. Dedication is what you need to be a record maker.
Next on are Journey Box. A three piece outfit with a melodic if sometimes mournful sound, they nevertheless make themselves heard. It takes a few songs before you fall under their spell. The band prove to be sort of hypnotic really as Pete and Kari Morrison's vocals intertwine with a certain elegance. Maybe it was the addition of a bass player since Bluesbunny last saw them but their sound seems to have become more complex and multi layered. As they end their short set with "Story", the conclusion is that this band has become a whole lot bigger and indeed a whole lot more commercial. It would be good if they hit the big time. Yes, it would.
Following on are Narration. They are from somewhere near London and are on tour. Certainly, they have tour toys like flight cases and headphones for the drummer and they prove to be very well rehearsed, rattling through most of their set without pausing for breath or indeed introduction. As you would expect of an indie rock four piece (or five piece if you count the invisible bass player), they make more than enough noise to fill the bar. Not lacking in drama either with a suitably theatrical front man in Dan Holt, Narration are a very respectable live act and the audience clearly appreciates that. Sort of like Operahouse with the addition of a shed load of charisma, if you like. Those big drums and power chords will no doubt take them far with the right promotion. "New York City" leads them off stage to deserved applause.
Then there was Streetlight Conspiracy. Another four piece band - local boys this time - in the indie rock genre, they substitute the sheen of Narration with the sheer joy of making music. "Stand Up" makes for a ragged start but they soon find their feet and give a warm and indeed endearing performance. They are a band that loves to play. That is one of those things that are easy to spot when you do reviews, by the way, even if it is rarer than you might suppose. Always a sucker for a good guitar riff, "Under the Streetlight" very nearly provoked this Bluesbunny to sing along whilst "Hourglass" was an altogether more laidback pleasure. Streetlight Conspiracy have an album out as well and if their live performance was anything to go by then it should be good. Getting a noisy reception from the crowd was no less than they deserved.
Time to go home once more. With a belly full of Guinness and a head full of quality tunes, Bluesbunny will sleep well tonight. Perhaps there is time for some chicken pakora however…