Fatherson Live - The Tunnels, Aberdeen, 16/03/12

Opening the evening was Caitlin Louise Buchanan who performs under the guise of Rambler, consisting solely of Buchanan’s powerful voice accompanied by her gentle acoustic guitar. Despite giving a solid performance it was revealed to the crowd, through self-admission, that our singer was actually suffering from a cold because she ‘did not dress appropriately for winter.’ Spring may have sprung in March, but while Buchanan was singing on stage there was a moment when it truly was winter: her performance was frozen in a state of timelessness combining elements of Joan Baez with notes of more contemporary singers such as Laura Marling.

Following from Rambler were Inverness based dynamic pop trio He Slept On 57. There is something quite appealing about a three piece band: the music is stripped back to the simplicity of a guitar, a bass and a drum kit, and you can see each musician thriving off each other’s performance. A three-piece must be more interesting in terms of rhythm and dynamics rather than just merely focussing on the melody of the music, something which has given way to some belting tunes and legendary live performances in the history of popular music. He Slept On 57 were no exception to this: the band delivered their set effortlessly and it was incredibly tight. It was also nice to see Fatherson’s own Ross Leighton down on the dance floor bobbing his head along to their set.

Continuing the trend of three-pieces was Aberdeen-based band Duke, who brought a slice of melodic, alternative pop. It is clear that they have nailed the sound they are aiming for, and Duke’s more than competent, pounding rhythm section works well with guitarist and singer Calum Bruce Robertson. The first time I saw Duke was in Café Drummonds in Aberdeen almost a year prior to this gig, I was aware that they were a band full of potential, but it is extraordinary how much the band has developed since. The highlight of the set was Hopes and High Horses, the band’s new single. If Duke continue to write more songs like this cracker then they will become a formidable force indeed.

It is all well and fair to celebrate the positive qualities of the three-piece band, but while Fatherson usually perform as a trio, this evening they had two welcome additions to their team in the form of a second guitarist/keyboard player and a cellist. The two musicians really contributed to the incredible punch that the three boys from Kilmarnock pack into their music. My expectations were also proven contrary of Fatherson: I had seen them over a year ago supporting Idlewild at Aberdeen’s Lemon Tree and to be honest was not very keen on them at all. This time was going to be different.

Fatherson opened with their new single First Born. With them comes a sense that they could be your best friend’s band, which is one of the reasons why they are so engaging. For example, after a mere twenty seconds into the opening riff there was a surge of movement through the venue towards the stage. Singer and guitarist Ross Leighton’s delivery was fantastic as they played through their set, and the band as a whole were evidently having a great time on stage. There is no pretence with Fatherson: it is evident that they are a bunch of friends onstage making great music, and that they are genuinely humbled by the audience singing the lyrics back to them. The band closed with crowd pleaser Hometown, the single they released back in 2011. For me, this was a personal highlight of the night. Have you ever encountered a band that you just wanted to be part of? Listen to Fatherson and you most definitely will.

DS