To some, music is but a soundtrack. It can be a soundtrack to many things. For instance, many people in Glasgow seem to enjoy live music as a soundtrack to their blethering. Nobody is denying that talk is good but surely a little hush for the duration of a performance isn't too much to ask for?
Those with ears for music may already have heard of the Zonules of Zinn. With Clydebank's favourite pop act, The Viragoes, in tow, Nice 'n' Sleazys was a good place to be on a bitter November evening.
Although their suitability for the bill has to be questioned, there was little wrong with the performance from the first act on the bill, My Own Religion. None too subtle about their leanings, front man David Lenin rasped through a hi-octane set of politically charged punk rock. Perhaps appropriately, the noisiest act of the night seemed to get the biggest reaction of the night. What their set lacked in variety, it more than made up for with sheer energy. Too bad that much of the audience were more interested in last night's television.
Seeing is believing with The Viragoes. Continuous gigging seems to be paying off for the Clydebank quartet. Like a fine wine, they seem to improve with time. Such is the power of tracks such as "Madame Nicotine" and "She's Fly" that even the surprise omission of "Escape From Glasgatraz" - an old live favourite - couldn't harm their set. Having long been a tip for the top here at Bluesbunny Towers, it is good to see The Viragoes getting recognition.
Similarly, the Zonules of Zinn, who stand as proof that pop music need not be sappy or need sex appeal to work. "Who RU RU" nods towards The Jam while "Tesco Manana" was an incredibly clever song. Not content with a solid live set, Front man Andy McPherson saw fit to playfully tell the crowd to "shut up". Safe to say that Andy is not your average front man but then that's what bands need - character. An exciting act indeed!
Though questions still exist over the organisation (nobody manning the doors!), and the impossible problem of yapping morons, I don't think many people left this show disappointed. Two impressive pop acts and one act with fire in the belly. That'll do nicely!