Dominic from Swanton Bombs was clearly born in the wrong decade. Waif thin with flowing locks and an enormous and complicated board of guitar pedals he fits firmly into the mould of a 70s guitarist just discovering distortion for the first time. From the word go we are treated to a series of outrageous licks and riffs that are the nights first full frontal assault on the ears.
Tonight’s openers create a searing noise for a mere duo and Brendan on the drums resembles Animal from The Muppets as he flails and sweats over some frantic stick action. The songs revels in excess and both members look visibly agitated during quieter segments, warily storing energy like a spring as they wait to explode into solos Rory Gallagher would have been proud of. Enough charm in their commitment to the cause then to please a quickly filling venue.
By the time Girls arrive on stage and we get to giggle childishly at their declaration ‘We’re Girls from San Francisco’ The Rest is full to the brim. The band arrives in Glasgow just as a bristle of hype and excitement is growing around them after their debut effort 'Album'. Girl’s songs are saturated with sunshine and ‘Lust for Life’ a sumptuous single that excels live. Its pure and unadulterated pop and the ultra laid back look of the guys on stage make it undeniably cool. The West coast feel is present throughout the set and they take the best aspects and sentiments of bands that pine for harmonies by the surf.
And then there’s the flipside. ‘Big Bad Mean Mother Fucker’ is a distorted blast of noise that I’m still recovering from. Still smiling and still delivering lines like Elvis Costello, the noise shakes the foundations of the building and leaves jangly guitar chords far behind. A band with plenty going on then, with ‘Hellhole Ratrace’ perhaps representing the middle ground in which they thrive. A simple start with honest lyrics moves and gathers pace towards a wall of fuzz and glorious noise. An impressive showing from a band to look out for – just keep the earplugs close at hand.
Pic: Euan Anderson
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