Seas, Starry seem to
be something of a favourite at Hercules Moments, featuring ever more regularly
on the site supporting various bands we have seen, and constantly impressing us
with their unique and well crafted sound. When I heard they were putting on a
gig themselves, it didn't really take much persuasion for me to head down to Cellar 35
to see them again and hear who they picked to join them as support.
First up were
newcomers Orienteering. Forming at the end of last year out of the remnants of
local band Good Police, this evening was their first proper gig. Not that you
would have been able to tell – once into the groove of things their playing
sounded flawless, and it was a great example of how to make a three piece band sound
absolutely massive with perfectly timed stop-start dynamics and a wall of
noise.
Next up came [ ] (to
save confusion, and as their Facebook URL states - it’s pronounced wall)
slimming down on band members to just a bassist and drummer. Despite this, they succeeded in ramping up the
volume and roar of noise to levels higher than openers Orienteering, with a
sound I can only really compare to a more controlled and musical Lightning
Bolt. Making use of a selection of pedals to vary the sound and odd screams of
vocals they manage to take a very simple setup, make the most of it, and
sound absolutely fantastic. Bonus marks for managing to slip in a quick homage
to Focus at the end to confuse and amuse all of those familiar with the yodelling
Dutch metal legends.
After losing band
members and ramping up the volume between the previous bands, it fell to Seas,
Starry to reverse the trend by filling the stage, floor and seemingly half the
bar with the array of band members and equipment. I am not sure I really need
introduce them if you have read much on the site, after reviewing them at
previous gigs (supporting both the Birthday Suit and Joan Of Arc to be
particular) but in comparison to the earlier bands of the night they knock the
volume and more lairy sound back for a much more intricate and layered sound.
Sadly in comparison to venues like Woodend barn in Banchory the simplicity of
Cellar 35’s setup didn’t really give the clarity needed to fully show off their
sound. Not something that stopped the band getting up and doing their thing
though, as they treated us to a set of music from previous and future releases
(including the custom between song breaks to tune) and showing exactly
why we keep mentioning them here on Hercules Moments.
A great lineup and, in
a cozy wee venue like Cellar 35, a great night.
DL
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