She smiles at me. I smile back. The world immediately seems like a better place.
But there are words to be written. On stage are Midnight Thursday. The drummer looks about 12 but he's right on the money. Lead singer John Russell shows confidence and poise. This band have been hewn from that seam of bombastic rock that runs right through Scotland. As it has and as it always will be. They're tight, they're focussed and they certainly mean business. It's not too hard to work out that they could be destined for bigger things.
Annie Stevenson were on next. They've got a drummer called Earl. Many outstanding drummers are called Earl. This Earl is also outstanding. Fuelled with punk energy but tempered with a remarkable musical discipline, they eschew the popular power chord approach for the short, sharp shock treatment of the truly talented. "Freedom Town" stands out but it's a tough decision as this band has so much to offer. I'm a believer, yes I am.
The standard remains high with the last band, Lanolin. They do go for the power chords but fortunately not the haircuts of indie rock. It also goes without saying therefore that they pack a pretty fair punch. Adventurous chord changes keep the interest up and those gruff vocals sit neatly on top of the musical steamroller that this band is driving. Just to surprise us all, there's a massively weighty cover of "Nothing Compares 2 U" hidden in their set. Kapoww!
She smiles at me. I smile back. The world seems like a better place. Next writing job I have to do is the sleeve notes for a single called "The Bartender" by Uncle Leon. On Metropolicana Records. A cautionary tale about declaring your love for the woman who serves you beer. Sometimes, though, you get writer's block. That's when you need a muse. She says "Write from the heart". She's right every time.
She smiles at me. I smile back. Funny thing is I don't even know her name.