Turn the glass around so that the harp logo faces you. Smile like you've just met an old friend that you haven't seen in a while. Hello hello I'm back I'm back. As a matter of fact I'm back. That could be the lyrics from a song but - as every student knows - plagiarism is the sincerest form of flattery. Anyway, four acts are here tonight so, with no more than a sigh, let us proceed to the words on Debbie Kate, Fifty Caliber Smile, Nespresco and Shimmer.
Debbie Kate has that cute thing going for her. She exudes a girlish charm and sings sweet songs that edge towards the forlorn in their subject matter. She's also a fine example of the performer audience divide thing - she wants to make you happy and after a couple of songs you want to make her happy too. That's the basis for a good relationship.
Much bigger and badder were Fifty Caliber Smile. Being from Edinburgh, it was no surprise to find they had a decently high level of musical ability and, probably as a result of this, they had the courage to stretch out their songs way beyond the three minute mark. Needless to say, hoarse vocals were added to complete the picture in this heavy rock jigsaw.
Nespresco were on next. I think their singer must be cool. It would explain a thing or two. The three guys backing him up were doing a perfectly decent job but said singer seemed intent on keeping them to a rigid rhythm so that he could wallow in his own pool of karaoke angst. Maybe the world needs another James Blunt? Or maybe it doesn't. Answers on a postcard please.
The last band of the evening were Shimmer. On the face of it, this is a band that does nothing special. After all, they've got good songs, they play well, they know what a melody is, they've got a charismatic lead singer and they look like they actually enjoy performing. Oops, that is something special these days. If you are a slavish follower of trends then you'll look elsewhere but if you like your music then Shimmer are certainly a band worthy of your attention.
I'm going to blame this on the beer too but I think I'm becoming a vampire. Why else would I want to bite her neck?