Photo credit James Edmond
A double bill not to be missed, bringing together two bands from different parts of the world, creating a night of music that had the fans flocking to the venue in huge numbers for the show. A packed venue in the basement of an old church in Glasgow’s west end, a hugely popular destination for live music and nights out was to host this show in Glasgow’s very own, Oran Mor
First up, Bedouin Soundclash from Toronto Canada, brought their Reggae soul train to brighten up the city, with their happy songs from their country with a delicate sunshine twist. The three piece delighted the Glasgow audience with songs from their previous albums, and the more recently new album “MASS”. The short set was full of energy from the three-piece band, front man Jay Malinowski taking control of the set with brilliant vocals and a commanding display, radiating the emotions of the band’s music, backed with the powerhouse of Chuck Treece on the drums. Jay and Bassist Eon Sinclair delivered the drive and energy, which is undoubtable the essence of Bedouin Soundclash. Highlights from the set was the amazing “Mountain Top”, taking you on a journey with adventure and remoteness, the powerful song captivated the Glasgow audience, whilst going back to the bands roots they delighted the Glasgow crowd with a rendition of The Clash’s “Straight to Hell” before a splendid version of Stand By Me intro to the band 2005 hit “When the night feels my Song”, the crowd were dancing and singing along, the perfect warm up before The Skints. Jay told the audience they will be touring the UK in March 2020 and looked forward to coming back.
It was time for The Skints to take to the stage, with an impressive stage set up, turned the stage into a romantic garden for their Swimming Lessons tour. The band fronted by Josh Rudge and Marcia Richards opened the set with the slow and powerful “Can’t Take”, setting the atmosphere for a night of reggae and ska music from the London band. Upping the tempo with “Restless” before starting the party with a bit of ska with “Lay you Down”, the audience in the packed Oran Mor were in for a night to remember with songs “Rubadub”, “Forest for the trees” before the excellent “This Town”. The Skints were having the time of their lives in the venue, bringing the fun back to music and delighting fans with a show filled with bubbles, trees and plants. Marcia, with keyboard in centre of a tight set up stage, was the focal point surrounded by James to stage left and Jon Doyle delivering the bass and the powerhouse of James Kyriakides on the drum kit. The set closed with “Love is the Devil” and “Culture Vulture” before the band exited the stage.
Returning to a tremendous welcome, and keeping to the theme of the tour opened the encore with “Sunny Sunny”, delighted the awaiting crowd, that was most definitely up for dancing all night, followed by “Lets Stay Together”, if the Glasgow audience had their way the band could have played all night, with the reggae / Ska theme, it was time to jump ship and take up “Learning to Swim”, the band played an amazing set full of passion, energy and delivered a night to remember for the Glasgow faithful.
Two bands, one stage, playing music for the people, at the people with the power of lyrics, guitar and drum to create an atmosphere of emotion and enjoyment.
