It's Thursday night and you're Govan bound. Okay, I'll admit that it didn't sound ideal but a few jars in the Old Toll Bar got me right in the mood for a fine evening of music at the Grand Ole Opry with the Paper Planes launching their new single, "Doris Day". £2 a beer? Don't mind if I do.
First on were a local band named She's Hit. Floppy fringes all over. It has to be said though, that for a gang of fresh-faced skinny boys, they didn't half put in a performance to be celebrated. Drawing on the screeching guitar noise of bands like Sonic Youth, while staying true to garage rock D.I.Y. ethics, they gave their crowd little time to gather their thoughts. It truly was a fine act, right down to their casual departure from the stage. If I didn't know any better, I'd say they lost interest and went back to playing Guitar Hero. Fortunately, I reckon I know better. A real onslaught.
And the headline read: "Paper Planes set to soar!". Shameful pun aside, it was apparent by the close of the opening song that the Paper Planes - fronted by the delightful Jennifer Paley - had something about them. Drawing from definite garage rock influences, this act could easily have been from '70s Detroit. At this point I'll point out that Ms Paley hails from New Jersey, so I'm a little off there.
However, it's not fair on anyone to suggest that the Paper Planes came across as a throwback. No, no. Pounding drums and heavy grooves seem to be a winning formula for this act but the real spark comes from Ms Paley's gripping vocals. It's fair to suggest that a few Opry regulars may have been taken aback by the sheer intensity of their set, but I should point out that one member did feel the need to interrupt me with her approval. Win over Opry regulars and you can pretty much win over anyone.
The band went down a treat with the audience with their upcoming single an obvious highlight. As much as it was a peculiar choice of venue, it somehow worked out fairly well and, for an out of town show on a Thursday night, there was a heartening size of crowd. Maybe there is hope yet for music.
All in all, a good night. Time to rest. Toodle-oo.