Sitting upstairs in the bar of the 13th Note for a pre review Guinness is normally a peaceful affair giving a man time to soak up the ambience and reflect on the important things of life like whether he actually remembered to bring a pen with him. Being observant, this Bluesbunny notices that his pint was actually vibrating in time to the sound check going on in the basement. Probably a loud one tonight…
Visiting dear old Glasgow tonight from Sheffield are Kill the Captains. Oh, they are loud. Strident guitars slap you in the face and yet they have some top tunes. They rattle them out as well with the songs from their new EP getting the old feet tapping. Interestingly, they don't really stick to the recorded versions with their songs seeming altogether looser in feel and construction in the live environment but certainly not lacking in imagination. No mistaking that they know their way around a tune as well and Leon Carter snarls out the words with all the anguish of a sixties protest singer. Talking of sixties references, a bizarre thought crossed the Bluesbunny mind. Maybe this band would be what Cream would have sounded like if they were playing the circuit in Sheffield. Hopefully it won't be too long before they are back in Glasgow again.
The Elvis Suicides were next on to the stage. Again, not a band on speaking terms with their feminine side and drummer Div Striker makes a particularly fine attempt at shaking the foundations of the venue with the punk flavoured "Young Professionals". They have that rough and ready feel that belies their musical capabilities too. Chris Devotion has that nervous almost explosive presence that suggests he will either sing his heart out or just go medieval on the audience as he maxes himself out on the vocals. It might just be the effect of alcohol on the rain but every song seemed to time out after two minutes. Not big solos here, just straight to the point every time. A very respectable live act and a fine accompaniment to strong ale without a doubt.
The last band of the evening were Cuddly Shark. Just a bit quirky, this lot. It's quite hard to put into the words but try to imagine David Byrne waking up dressed as an Elvis impersonator with only a massive hangover for company and that unmistakeable feeling of having done something bad the night before. Either that or Jamie Foxx did something bad to them as they launched into the shortest rant (it was not really a song) about the aforementioned gentleman that this venue has probably ever experienced. It is, however, indicative of the oddball sense of humour that lifts the tone of all their songs. If Carlsberg made Ten Pole Tudor then Cuddly Shark would probably be the best Ten Pole Tudor in the world.
Music finished. Bar closed. Time to go. Funny thing about vegetarian food - it seems to stop the urge for chicken pakora on the way home. Scientific investigation needed. Or more beer.