February is a testing month. Disposable income is still limited, the banks are trying to steal your money and just about everyone is feeling the after-effects of the flu. Despite this, a Thursday night in the company of Nell Bryden was too good to pass up. And away we go!
First up was the haunting musical trio, Haight-Ashbury. Showing commendable musical flexibility, the Glasgow trio delivered a melody-heavy set of acidic folk-rock borrowing as much from grungy rock as from the Velvet Underground and, judging by the lack of reaction from the crowd, they did it pretty well. With added experience, this act will continue to grow.
The MeatMen look to be forging their way to the forefront of the faux-country scene in Glasgow. Armed with endless tongue-in-cheek lyrics and plenty of enthusiasm, they made me want to drink. And for that I thank them. A little electric guitar or boogie-woogie keyboard wouldn't have gone amiss in their set but I didn't hear anyone complaining. Except the lad who kept hollering for Gary Neville.
Finally, Nell Bryden and her band took to the stage. It has to be said that Nell's live show is a not a true reflection of her studio material (verging much further towards a rockabilly sound that Nell's "modern dixie" idea) but saying that is no slant on Nell's performance. Performing mostly from her "Second Time Around" album, Nell wasn't caught short of breath as she and her band tore through the tracks ending on the aforementioned title track.
All in all, an enjoyable evening. Alas, it was time to retire to the pub for a pint of ale. And then another.