But you can always rely on music to improve your mood, specifically, weird but strangely melodic post-rock drone-esque music with spooky lyrics about being trapped in a fake Burger King. And after getting caught in the madness in George Square with my boyfriend (another story entirely), a gig featuring Antique Pony, Herbert Powell, and Black Cop, seemed like the perfect way to lift our spirits.
This was the first time I had ever seen Antique Pony, but my expectations were high considering the amount my friends had talked them up before. Having heard them referred to as "the best live band in Glasgow" on more than one occasion I knew the night would not be quickly forgotten. I wasn't wrong. Antique Pony are unique and definitely different to most bands on the Scottish scene at the moment, something that is dominated largely by teenage boys with NME haircuts, leather jackets, and forgettable, predictable guitar riffs - To summarise, Arctic Monkeys wannabees. Antique Pony are none of these things and easily in the top five of the best live bands I've ever seen. Their songs are harsh yet genuinely melodic, something you can easily sing along with but the stabby guitar sounds give them life, harkening back to Captain Beefheart maybe, but with sharper, more distinctive, weirder ideas. The best song of their captivating set is, for me, "Languages of Hong Kong", a track taken off their most recent album "pony". The rhythmic drums have an almost traditional Asian yet pop-esque feel, and instantly force the crowd into life. The majority of people are dancing, which is an interesting thing to see during an experimental band's set. The guitar in this song is brilliant too, reminding me of old video game soundtracks. The rest of the set is equally brilliant, though one of my main memories is the muffled voice of lead man Derek singing the catchy "father, son, and the holy ghost" hook towards the end of the song. Derek's energy is infectious, and as he throws himself around the performing area, the crowd feel increasingly involved, moving more. I'd go as far as to say Derek is the best front man in Glasgow. You can tell how close he is to the music and in turn, this makes you more invested in what you're listening to. A highlight of the night is the end of the set, as they play "Happy Families", and the front man of Herbert Powell grabs the microphone and begins singing it himself.
I've seen Herbert Powell before, as I'm in a band myself with their drummer, and I'm good friends with a few of the members. I promise I'm not being biased when I say I think they are one of the finest new bands Glasgow, and maybe even Scotland, has to offer.
I took an Australian friend of mine to see Herbert Powell back in July, and although she is a regular gig attendee, she said they were the best live music she's ever seen in Scotland, beating 90s shoegaze band My Bloody Valentine. This gives you some idea of the sheer talent every member of Herbert Powell possesses. Their lead, Kieran Thomas, is a unique vocalist as well as an impressive bass player. He is a memorable and intimidating front man. It's easy to find yourself shying away from the band as he directs his sharp glare into the crowd while playing.
Their music sounds like a new, re-booted, more melodic Slint. The band opens with "Birth Mask", Thomas growling his way through while Kay Logan and Billy Gaughan (both incredibly talented musicians) provide the guitar lead structure, and Taylor Stewart attacks the drums, screaming during the intro to the song. The crowd grows as their set continues and rightfully so, as these original, obscure, difficult to define songs deserve as much attention as they can possibly get. The band are the best I've ever seen them, playing with more energy and passion than ever before (perhaps something to do with their decision to give the proceeds of the night to local Maryhill food bank following the 'No' vote. This raised over £200). People are silent and watch intently as they play, giving their full attention to the kind of totally captivating music you so rarely stumble upon for less than £10. Some people are even open mouthed. Friends of the band are smiling, proud, and well aware that these people have the potential to change the face of Scottish music.
Unfortunately I end up missing Black Cop due to a badly organised plan to get home, but I hear from friends on twitter that they are also fantastic. I'm totally gutted that I ended up leaving early but after checking my twitter feed and seeing the venue got partially set on fire after my departure, I'm more concerned for everyone's safety rather than beating myself up about not catching a (very good) band's set. Thankfully everybody was safe, and the evening was a total success.
Without a doubt, this gig was the best live new music I've probably ever seen, and I know now that I will never miss an opportunity to see either of the bands live again. I cannot reccommend Antique Pony or Herbert Powell enough. If you live near Glasgow (or even if you don't, I'm from Fife and I've seen them multiple times, that's no excuse), or ever visit Glasgow, get yourself to one of these band's gigs. A complete sonic wonder. Let them freak you and your ears out. You won't regret it.
10/10
Photos by Megan Daly-
twitter: twitter.com/demonskeleton
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mortalbodyphotographs
Follow members of Herbert Powell on twtitter-
Kay: https://twitter.com/kayhlogan
Kieran:https://twitter.com/kieranthethomas
Billy: https://twitter.com/eggsbenedict666
Taylor: https://twitter.com/cooljinzo
Like them on facebook-
https://www.facebook.com/herbertpowellband?fref=ts
Antique Pony-
Bandcamp: https://antiquepony.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antiquepony?fref=ts
Black Cop-
Bandcamp: https://black-cop.bandcamp.com/
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