Kerr Mercer at King Tuts

Word of mouth is still the best form of publicity. Word is slowly, but surely and steadily, spreading through the Glasgow and Scottish music scene about young singer-songwriter Kerr Mercer.

I first caught Kerr back in October 2023 when he opened Tenement Trail on a wet and stormy Saturday afternoon. Those of us that were in Saint Luke's early enough were treated to a warm welcome as Mercer played a short set of songs he had been writing and recording.

Still only 17, Kerr is at ease playing both piano and guitar and he has a deep, rich and soulful voice that tugs on heart strings, sends tingles down spines and causes jaws to drop. 

Following the Tenement Trail set, Kerr then picked up a some excellent support slots, including shows with both McFly and Callum Beattie at the Barrowland Ballroom towards the end of the year.

Kerr then kicked off 2024 by playing a sold out headline gig in the intimate and immensely cool setting of The Poetry Club. Attending felt like being let in on a secret. His 9-song set was cool, calm and confident. Mercer was funny while speaking with the crowd, wearing a broad smile as friends sang-along to a couple of songs. Guess I Flew To Close To The Sun was a personal highlight for me. 

Momentum has continued to build, with more support slots, including dates with The Snuts at the Barrowland in the lead up to a sold-out show at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, the legendary Glasgow venue that has been such an important step in so many careers.

Ahead of the build up, Kerr also announced that he would be playing TRNSMT in the summer - he has a lot going on, even before he has released a single.

Support at King Tuts was a young female singer-songwriter called Abbie Gordon, backed by her friend on acoustic/electric guitar. I could imagine some of her songs drenched in reverb and backed by strings. Gritty at times, more melodic at others, she has a lovely voice.

Kerr Mercer came on stage just after 9pm to a huge reception from the crowd packed into Tuts. I immediately recognised set opener Jealous from the Poetry Club. Mercer started with his deep soulful voice for the verse and then soared effortlessly into a flowing chorus. It was the first of many songs that I could imagine being a single and hearing it on the radio.

Carry Me Home was another. Mercer leaves a lot of space in this song, which, at times, has an almost gospel feel to it. Rich in soul and feeling. With only Mercer's electric piano and voice, it packed a punch and could become a real favourite of mine. 

With no music released online, I'm still getting to know (or guessing) Kerr's song titles. Happy to Hurt was another song that leapt out at me. The recognition from the Poetry Club assisted by the excellent King Tuts sound system.

Kerr's confidence was highlighted when he said he would play a brand new song, Lyla, that he had written only the week before. There was a funny and beautiful moment when he forgot the first line and had to go back to his piano. Thankfully his manager got the demo on his phone and let him hear it, so we could get a song literally hot off the press.

Mercer joked of playing slow ballads and then even sadder slower ballads, but everyone was under his spell. There is a warmth in the melancholy. The lyrics, voice and melodies connected with people. The falls or little drops and pauses followed by soaring rises can be breathtaking, while Kerr's whole down-to-earth manner made us all feel part of a very special evening.

With no music released, Kerr played Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran and encouraged people to sing-a-long if they knew the words. A number of people did and his performance with just piano and vocals was stunning. I wasn't aware of this song and after listening to it today, I was pretty amazed at the way Kerr transformed it. Lyrically, it is a beautiful song, but Mercer added some soul. 

Back to Kerr's own growing collection of songs though! Someone to Miss has a chorus that goes on and on, dropping, then coming back in with extra force. Her aches in all the right ways and the aforementioned Guess I Flew To Close To The Sun was stunning. 

Kerr was able to leave his piano and guitar to the side for closer One In A Million as he was joined by his friend on acoustic guitar. It was another gem, the perfect way to end a show which perfectly encapsulated Mercer's phenomenal talent as a songwriter and performer.

Kerr announced his next headline show during his set. He plays the beautiful Saint Luke's on Tuesday 1st October. Look out for this young talent, he is going places ... fast!

Everything Was Beautiful

Jason Pierce, J Spaceman, is back. Somewhat surprisingly. 

Having been at deaths door, having said that 2018's And Nothing Hurt would be his last album, Pierce and his latest incarnation of Spiritualized is back with a stunning 7-song album - Everything Was Beautiful.

The bones of the album stretch back to an exceptionally fertile period Pierce experienced in 2013-14 when he wrote and demo'd enough songs for a double album. It's taken almost 10-years for the demos to be reworked and find their way into the wider world across 2 albums, with 3.5 years between them.

A Spirtualized album should always be celebrated. Indeed, J Spaceman's albums always are. We know what we're likely to get, but every single time we are moved by lullabies, melodies, invention, droning guitars, mantra's, dreamy and psychedelic soundscapes to get lost in. 

We're moved by Pierce pouring his heart out into his records with his lyrics of love, loss, heartache, drugs, death and reflection. They touch us deeply.

Beginning with a long intro, including morse code, Always Together With You eases us into the album. Never mind cold water therapy, this is like easing into a nice warm soothing bath. Pierce in full on dreamy romantic, anything is possible in love, mode

If you want a rocket ship, I would be a rocket ship for you

If you want another world, I would be another world for you

At 2-minutes 28 seconds the song lifts into the chorus with gorgeous backing vocals. As the song develops we get the sublime vocal layers that Pierce finds effortlessly. The instruments are also built up, like a modern day Pet Sounds. It's stunning, it's Spiritualized, it's just sublime, refreshing and suddenly everything seems better.

Best Thing You Never Had (The D Song) is spacey rock n roll with an infectious guitar riff, rattles of a tambourine in all the right places, flowing into a chorus with gospel singers lifting things in that classic Spiritualized way. There is a rip roaring guitar solo, a breakdown, lift and an extended intro, a tight rhythm with guitars and horns allowed to go crazy.

Honey, you're eyes rolled back, the best thing you've never done

Oh and your wasted time, you best let the water run

And then, with Let It Bleed (For Iggy) we're back into the beautiful dreamy lysergic lullaby space that Jason Pierce can create, interrupted dramatically as the song crashes (from nowhere) into the chorus. Pierce finds the sweet spot (as he so often does) with the extended mantra style outro.

Lay it down, lay it down, lay it down and let it bleed

Come on, come on, come on and lay it down, lay it down, lay it down and let it bleed

If anything, the song is faded too soon.

Crazy is currently my favourite song on the album. A psychedelic country tinged bluesy beauty. Upon first listen I simply tweeted the song with the words Oh J Spaceman.

It's just gorgeous, tugging on and playing a symphony on heart strings you didn't know you had. 

Darling I'm sorry, I must make amends

For messing around with you

We've all heard the story, we know how it ends

Darling, I wish it weren't true

The Mainline Song/The Lockdown Song is the complete opposite to Crazy. Space is filled, things feel claustrophobic and chaotic before a riff and melody burst from nowhere. And then you're rushing, flowing directly into the heart of Spiritualized as they find the groove and ride it. 

At just after 3-minutes Pierce comes in as the groove continues and new layers come in.

Hush, keep your voices down

Everyone is asleep uptown

And I wanted to know, if you wanted to go

To the city tonight

WOW! Just brilliant. This could be a live highlight.

The A Song (Laid In Your Arms) is beautifully grand, theatrical and bold. This is somehow a little bit like J Pierce fronting and conducting Queen! A crazy description? Judge for yourself. It all goes real Spirtualized in the end!

Before you know it, we reach the conclusion of the album, I'm Coming Home Again. Whereas the length of Spiritualized albums is a strength as there is always plenty of time to get lost in the music, Everything Was Beautiful is delivered in only 44 minutes. That's still an average of over 6 minutes per song!

Pierce stretches the song, introducing different characters and stories, again finding that sweet spot in terms of melody and groove, riding it into the sunset.

Spiritualized play SWG3 in Glasgow on Thursday 5th May.

Teenage Fanclub at SWG3 Glasgow

Earlier this week Teenage Fanclub released a video for new song I Left A Light On. I needed it. I had the Monday blues after watching the news the previous night. The utterly horrific events taking place in Ukraine chilled my bones and my heart.

Escaping from reality into a 3.5 minutes of melancholic pop music was just what I needed it. I must have. I played it half a dozen times in a row. The warmth of Norman's voice, the harmonies with Euros, the guitars, the piano at the centre of the song, the strings ... beautiful. Quite Lennon-esque.

You know I left a light on

I left it on for you

And I think I needed a night out too. 

Then on Tuesday I finished work at 11am as I suddenly felt shattered and spent the rest of the day in bed. I was testing negative but was convinced COVID was in the pipeline. The sleep must have worked, as I woke up feeling fresh on Wednesday morning and returned a couple of negative LTF's through the day. I was going to the gig after all.

All my life I felt so uptight

No it's all alright

While the gig is fresh in my mind I have to mention a few highlights. In fact, rather than run through the gig song by song, I'm just going to go with 10 highlights off the top off my head.

I'll start with Raymond's My Uptight Life. Oooofffftt the closing refrain brought tears to my eyes as the band faded out to leave just Raymond and Norman singing over Raymond's guitar. And then the crowd came in to sing with them a few times. It was a really beautiful moment.

Another highlight? Norman leading the band through I'm In Love in record time. Every time I see the band play this song they seem to be on a mission to take a second or two off the length, tearing through it and making it all the more electrifying.

More?

OK well the whole gig made me smile and escape reality for a while. And any worries of the band being rusty after a number of months off were banished very early on as the band ripped through Warm Embrace and jammed gloriously on Home.

And I must mention the young teenager and his Dad to my left, centre stage, just a couple of rows from the front. The young guy had a Pretty Green jacket that he took off to display a Fred Perry top. They were having a great time together and it really made me smile to see a true teenager in the Teenage Fanclub Fanclub!

The run of About You, Start Again and Alcoholiday was incredible, warm guitar sounds washed over the audience

Norman xylophone was greeted like a long lost friend for Raymond's beautiful Your Love Is The Place Where I Come From. A truly beautiful song. As is Only With You.

Back In The Day is a real favourite from Endless Arcade and is it just me or does the closing section of The Concept get better every time I hear it?

John McCusker and Stu Kidd joined the band onstage for the beautiful new ballad I Left A Light On, although their sound could have been turned up a notch or two. It's a promising sign that the band are writing, recording and releasing new music. A new album next year?

There was sadly no room for Raymond's Can't Feel My Soul due to a strict curfew but Everything Flows was played with zip, zest and warm smile on stage and off.

Special shout out to Stephen Black who played bass in place of Dave due to re-re-rescheduling conflicts. He was super solid. As for the rest of the band, Raymond seemed to be really enjoying himself, Norman was smiling throughout, Euros has brought so much to the band and Francis was in top form, particularly on Warm Embrace and I'm In Love as he drove the band on at pace.

A great night from a band in brilliant form.

Dogrel by Fontaines D.C

My friend Robbie has been raving about Dogrel by Fontaines D.C for months. So I invited him to write a blog. Fontaines D.C play Glasgow SWG3 on Thursday 21st November.

Album Review – Dogrel by Fontaines D.C. by Robbie Robinson

From the opening pounding beats of Big the album Dogrel lifts you in a tumultuous surge of dirty water, throwing you in all directions, raw guitar strings pulling you further along, guttural vocals before leaving you, somewhat unexpectedly, gently washed up with the smooth melodic sounds of Dublin City Sky. Simply put this is the best album I have heard in 2019… and for some time before that.

The album rushes along at a furious pace, it is not until we reach Roy’s Tune that it breaks rank with what has come before, a fast paced full bodied wall of sound. From the opening bars of Big you can almost taste and smell Dublin, chaotic, loud, dirty, wet, mercurial. However, it doesn’t let up as we crash into Sha Sha Sha and then lurch into the story telling of Too Real, unapologetically demanding an answer ‘Is it too real for ya?’

Described as ‘post-punk’ or punk this Dublin band appear to have produced a classic first album. The gruff narration, rapid fire drum beats, coarse guitar melt together to create the perfect combination. But what perhaps makes it work is the story telling lyrical delivery. The album demands you listen, sit up and be in awe.

Television Screens offers another slight shift in direction, although the beat is still demanding and the lyrics rich the delivery is somewhat smoother, gentler, asking us to stop and think, pause for thought. It lulls us into a soft sense of security before Hurricane Laughter smashes into you, the narration is back taking us round and round, down and down, the harsh oration to the back drop of relentless chords and riffs.

Where as what has comes before is angry and raw, Roy’s Tune tells a similar story but from a different point of view, the daily grind of the city slowly slowly slowly getting the better of you while you fight to hold on for hope and dream of something better, not becoming another cog to be used by the machine, running fast just to stand still, passed by as it dawns on you as what you wanted to be is not going to pass.

Technique by New Order

Technique recorded in Ibiza and released early in January 1989 in perfect time for the Second Summer Of Love, is probably my favourite New Order album.

The band had experimented with synths and beats from the off, leading to some impeccable electro pop like Bizarre Love Triangle, Thieves Like Us, The Perfect Kiss and of course the more experimental side of things with Blue Monday. And if you explore their albums you'll find gems like Your Silent Face and Face-Up.

The band take things to another level with Technique - although the band started recording in Ibiza (in a sh*t hole of a studio - but with a swimming pool according to Peter Hook) they finished it in Peter Gabriels Real World Studios. The discovery of Ecstasy while in Ibiza may have influenced with the sound, style and lyrics on the album, but it didn't help with the work ethic and actually finishing anything.

Still, the 4-months in Ibiza laid a path not only for New Order but for the Hacienda, Manchester and Madchester as Factory Records label mate Bez came out to sample Ibiza and proceeded to import ecstasy to the Hacienda, transforming it overnight. Bez's autobiography and Peter Hook's books on New Order and the Hacienda are all extremely entertaining reads and really highlight how quickly ecstasy transformed a club, sounds, style and a generation.

Opener Fine Time sets the tone; high-hat action leads to synths, beats and squelchy bass. There are all kind of riffs floating about and all coming together to sound incredible. Sumner's vocals are whispery and then a Barry White style vocal kicks in (Sumner with effects) which is typical New Order humour.

At 2 minutes 28 seconds everything cuts out to a thumping beat over a high-hat before everything comes colliding into place after a Hooky bass riff.

New Order being New Order had to perform live on Top of the Pops rather than mime and Peter Hook describes the issues this caused with much hilarity in his book. Bernard Sumner looks he was enjoying himself!

Technique isn't all beats and synths though. All The Way is stunning guitar pop with Sumner singing about taking years to find the truth within himself and not caring what others say. The guitars shimmer, Hooky's bass grooves and it sounds like pure summer.

Love Less is built on a Hooky bass groove and Sumner sings as good as he ever has about a love broken down.

But you know

I watch every step that you make

To find some other fool you can take

Round and Round was another single from the album and it starts with real urgency in the synths before finding a groove. It's two verses and two choruses and then it takes off on a little instrumental journey, the synths programmed for stun, eventually leading back to the chorus.

The picture you see is no portrait of me

It's too real to be shown to someone I don't know

And it's driving me wild

It makes me act like a child

The darkest song on the album is probably Guilty Partner. Sumner's lyrics and song titles throughout the album perhaps indicate where he was at around this time. He injects extra urgency into the chorus and Hook's bass just jams and leads along throughout.

Then we come to Run, my favourite song on the album. This is just guitar pop perfection, Sumner plays a 12-string acoustic at times, then fires off a huge electric guitar riff after the first verse. Sumner is one of my favourite singers and guitar players. His ability to find a melody and let it flow is incredible, as is his knack of simple guitar solos. What a glorious uplifting outro.

Run was remixed and released as a single as Run 2.

Sumner's vocal melodies flow with ease on Mr Disco. The song almost comes as two, going off down a more electro path after 2 minutes 36 seconds before bring the chorus

I can't find my piece of mind

Because I need you with me all of the time

I used to think about you night and day

I used to feel what language cannot say

Oh I can't find you

I can't find my piece of mind without you

Then we progress to the astonishing Vanishing Point, this is New Order at their very, very best in my book. There is a euphoric 90-second intro before Sumner comes in. Musically, this is insanely good the way everything comes together, Hooky's bass before a hands in the air breakdown that then leads to the beats and chorus kicking back in - incredible.

My life ain't no holiday

I've been through the point of no return

I've seen what a man can do

I've seen all the hate of a woman too

Ibiza may have influenced the lyrics on Dream Attack. There is another beautiful intro and Sumner sings about waking up in the sunshine with the sound of music in his head.

There is a classic Sumner contradiction in the chorus; I don't belong to no-one, but I want to be with you before we are led to another piece of Peter Hook genius bass playing. Check how low he goes in the live video from 1989 below.

New Order were untouchable in the 1980's. To go from Ceremony and Movement in 1981 to Technique and Vanishing Point in 1989 is remarkable. Their resilience in the way they came together out of the tragic death of Ian Curtis, the way they experimented, created, pioneered and the sensational run of singles and albums they released is almost unbelievable to look back on.

The band went on to peak commercially in 1990 with the release of the England World Cup song - World In Motion. A lengthy break after the subsequent Republic album was brought to an end with the brilliant comeback single of Crystal and the Get Ready album.

Peter Hook and his band The Light continue their remarkable journey through the back catalogues of Joy Division and New Order in chronological order by playing Technique and Republic at SWG3 in Glasgow on Sunday 30th September.

I'll be there!

Scottish music scene in 2018

The Scottish music scene doesn't stop. We end each year with gigs, parties and club nights and then begin each year by going out to watch live music or dance. Scotland is a nation of people that love to socialise to music; be that in a tiny basement bar, at a legendary venue, at one of the worlds busiest venues, in fields, in yards, in art centres, in streets or in the grounds of a castle.

This blog takes a snapshot look at some of the things I'll be looking out for in 2018. As always, there will be lots more that comes up as the year progresses.

Emerging and developing artists
I always like to see Scottish talent developing. Gerry Cinnamon smashed 2017 out of the park and he promises to take things even further in 2018 with news of a tour coming soon and the main stage at TRNSMT already confirmed. I wouldn't bet against some more music being released either.

My sister has a single coming out in January followed by dates in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and London. Now recording under her name Carla J Easton after recent albums with her band TeenCanteen and a solo project under the guise of Ette; 2018 should see the release of a new album that she recorded in September of 2017 over in Canada, produced by Howard Bilerman who recorded and drummed on the debut LP by Arcade Fire. She is on a roll and her songwriting has really developed over the last couple of years. There might be a wee surprise in February as well.

L-Shape will be releasing their debut album later in the year and have already released some wonderful digital singles. I have extremely high hopes for this band. I fully expect them to be playing summer festivals as there is no-one else like them. They are visually and sonically superb. I previously described Blue Flowers (below) as Portishead meets Mazzy Star - sheer beauty.

The melodic reverby guitar offerings from West Princes is catching many an ear and I look forward to seeing them live in 2018 after missing one of their December shows. Check their single Wet Bark Is A Slug below. Reports from friends who have seen them recently say that they have progressed massively. 

I've mentioned Saint PHNX and KVASIR in previous blogs. I'm a fan of both and 2018 could see them both releasing albums. Saint PHNX go for the jugular with soaring anthems, while KVASIR has a great ear for melodic and euphoric electronica. Check out one of his tunes below.

BooHooHoo are another young band that I enjoy and I also expect new material from them. They are lovely talented people who get people dancing with their catchy electro pop tunes. They have a load up their sleeves and I hope they get them out to the world at large.

Siobhan Wilson released a gorgeous album in 2017 and is already planning her next; Emme Woods should be releasing new material in the first quarter of the year and look for Catholic Action to quickly follow up their debut album. I'm also keeping an eye on teenage guitar band Static Union who have been working hard and developing well.

'Buzz' bands/artists include the pop punk offerings from Rascalton who are causing a stir with their energetic live shows and singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi who is selling out shows across the UK and Europe.

Elsewhere I definitely intend to catch Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 live again after missing them in December. This is a band who can make you forget about everything for an hour or so in a blast of colour, humour, catchy hooks and fun. If you haven't had the good fortune to experience their live show then I can't recommend it highly enough.

Look out for more on emerging Scottish artists in the labels section of this blog and it is always worth checking Vic Galloway' list of artists to watch. I'm currently doing that as I write.

Established artists

Belle and Sebastian released the first in a trilogy of EP's in December, so look out for more from them in January and February with all kinds of touring going on including what is set to be a triumphant show at the SWG Galvanizers Yard in May.

Franz Ferdinand now have young Miaoux Miaoux in the band! They have already been playing around the world and arrive at the Academy on Saturday 17th February. Check the title track from their forthcoming debut album below. It's out on 9th February. Alex Kapranos has always had an ear for electro and when the beats kick in this really takes off, promising a great deal for the album.

Labels

Last Night From Glasgow - hotly tipped youngster Zoe Bestel will be bringing her debut album out on LNFG on Record Store Day. There is quite a buzz about this young girl and tons of support. 2018 is shaping up very nicely for her. Elsewhere expect an album from L-Space (mentioned above), The Gracious Losers, BiS, Radiophonic Tuckshop and the usual great nights and parties through the year. There will probably be a few surprises as well. LNFG celebrates its second birthday in style - taking over Stereo AND the Old Hairdressers on 31st March. Details HERE

Olive Grove Records have two new signings that we should expect releases from. I am very keen to see Pocket Knife live and hear more from them. Olive Grove have also signed youngster Jared Celosse, a 21-year old from England who is studying in Glasgow. Some demos found their way to Lloyd at the label and he snapped him up immediately and has been talking extremely highly of him.

Matthew Young's Song By Toad are on a bit of a roll; recent releases by Siobhan Wilson and Modern Studies have been warmly received in Scotland but they've also broken through across the UK. The label is now well established and recognised, with artists regularly getting coverage in high profile blogs and 6Music airplay. I've just discovered Zed Penguin (video below) whilst writing this blog and look forward to watching them live in 2018. Their album is out at the end of February. 2018 promises a number of releases including an album by the prolific and talented Adam Stafford.

Fuzzkill Records release limited cassette runs and have already seen Catholic Action and Spinning Coin progress from their ranks. I wouldn't bet against them discovering some other gems and they have created a real scene in the city.

Scotland is buzzing with DIY labels ranging from the boutique like Gerry Loves Records through to the more established. Chemikal Underground have gone pretty quiet, Rock Action led by Mogwai are always up to something and had an excellent 2017 with releases including Mogwai's Every Country's Sun and Out Lines Conflats album.

Festivals and Shows

Celtic Connections gets underway in mid January and lasts through until early February. There is an incredible amount of music and activity taking place across the city. Check the website for listings. The Hug and Pint has an excellent bill of shows whilst the 80-piece Grit orchestra performing Bothy Culture and Beyond at the Hydro with special live stunts by Danny MacAskill promises to be pretty special. Elsewhere the Roaming Roots Revue is dedicated to Tom Petty.

Electric Fields has confirmed 31st August and 1st September as the dates for 2018. This festival is set in beautiful grounds and has a real boutique feel to it. It is improving year on year and I look forward to hearing the first batch of acts to be announced.

Nile Rodgers is bringing his party style sets to Kelvingrove Park! After 2 sold out shows at the Bandstand, he is coming back for a weekend and he is in charge of the line-up! The FoldxFiesta promises to get people dancing their hearts out. Nile is responsible for one of my all time favourite shows at the Wickerman Festival. We may well plan our summer holiday around this!

SWG3 has already announced outdoor shows in the Galvanisers Yard by LCD Soundsystem and Belle and Sebastian, following on from successful shows by The XX last year. Look out for more super cool outdoor shows being announced in the new year. SWG3 is going from strength to strength.

TRNSMT looks like it is here to stay after a successful first year. T in the Park has pretty much rebranded and moved to the city. Liam Gallagher, The Killers and Stereophonics have been announced as the 3 headliners. There have been a lot of online debates in relation to the line-up, but T was never been about being cool, looks like TRNSMT won't be either - it's about giving people what they want..... and selling enough tickets to put on the biggest festival in Scotland. All reports from last year were extremely positive.

The Kelvingrove Bandstand shows are eagerly anticipated in my household and indeed my family. This magical venue has hosted some of my favourite shows in recent years and I sincerely look forward to going back in the summer of 2018. I'm holding out for The Charlatans being invited!

Belladrum - The Tartan Heart Festival is on to a winning formula and it sells out every year.

In Glasgow we have multi-venue festivals from PCL with The Stag and Dagger, confirmed for bank Holiday Sunday on 6th May, and the Tenement Trail from the team at Tenement TV.

SAY Award
The SAY Award goes from strength to strength. Will it be back in Paisley this year? It's not the easiest to get to! But this is such an important event for Scottish music, recognising the talent and diversity that the country continues to provide. I'll be hoping for an LNFG release making the shortlist. Elsewhere I think Siobhan Wilson should make the shortlist.

The Beginning Stages of The Polyphonic Spree

The Polyphonic Spree burst on to the music scene in 2002 with their debut album The Beginning Stages Of... 

The ambition, scale, enjoyment, wonder, talent and sonic adventure displayed on the album captured the imagination of many, including David Bowie who invited them to play the Meltdown Festival he was curating.

Polyphonic Spree rose from the ashes of leader Tim DeLaughter's previous band - Tripping Daisy. DeLaughter quickly recruited 12 friends and within 2-weeks the band had a 30-minute set of 9- songs - or sections as they like to call them.

They promptly recruited another 12-members and wrote a tenth song! Could they encapsulate the sounds DeLaughter was creating in his head - could he get them on record?

The answer was a euphoric yes. The Beginning Stages... is an absolutely sensational album that I am currently enjoying revisiting ahead of the band returning to Glasgow to play SWG3 on 11th September, playing the Liquid Room in Edinburgh the night before.

The band blew me away back in 2002 and 2003. It was my sister Carla who discovered them and she ended up speaking to De Laughter online. Their show at Glasgow's QMU around that time was like nothing I had ever seen before. DeLaughter led his 24-piece band through the crowd, dressed in robes, singing their hearts out, up to the stage, where they proceeded to produce one of the most soulful, heartfelt, heartwarming, fun and euphoric performances I have ever seen.

The Beginning Stages... is a life affirming album, born out of tragedy (DeLaughter's friend and bandmate in Tripping Daisy died of a drug overdose in 1999), Have A Day/Celebratory builds to a huge choir singing/echoing DeLaughter's thoughts/hopes.

Soon, you'll find the answer

It's The Sun is like a signature tune for the Polyphonic Spree - bursting with positivity in sound and chorus, yet with sadness, reflection and hope in the verses. This is sensational when they play it live.

Sun

Suicide is a same

Sun

Soon you'll find your own way

Sun

Hope has come you are saved

And the chorus, so simple, so effective;

Hey now it's the sun, and it makes me shine

Days Like This Keep Me Warm is gorgeous, like a blanket, soothing, melancholy, blissful and soulful. The instrumentation, melodies and variations are sublime.

La La is experimental, noisy and brash in comparison to the other songs on the album and Middle Of The Day is subdued; perhaps both are reflections of DeLaughter's state of mind when creating them.

Out of the noise and uncertainty comes hope and looking forwards in the shape of Hanging Around the Day Part 1 as DeLaughter gives himself a good talking to.

You're hanging around the day

You're filling yourself with blame

God only knows what you're missing

Soldier Girl has a kind of urgency from the start, that only increases as the song goes on - the choir kick in behind DeLaugher and the chorus is repeated again and again. The alternative version on the album is even more urgent and even more euphoric.

Light and Day is the sound of sunshine, hope and love, of a band truly finding a remarkable moment, soaring high and indeed - reaching for the sun. It bubbles into life sounding like the most delicious thing you could ever hear.

DeLaughter is singing his heart out and his band join in after he urges everyone to follow the day and reach for the sun. The song explodes in a glorious frenzy. Listening back is a joy.

Photo by Dana Donovan

The album closes with A Long Day, a collage of noise, bringing the listener back down to earth.

DeLaughter himself has said that The Beginning Stages... was essentially a demo album that took on a life of its own, the band went back to rerecord several of the songs for singles and most albums contain bonus versions of Soldier Girl, a combined Hanging Around, Light and Day and It's The Sun.

The original demos are gorgeous but DeLaughter and his band take them to a new level on the new versions. I can't wait to see them again at the SWG3. It has been too long - not that it is easy or cheap to take a 24-piece band and choir on the road!

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE