Forum players under 21 (Page 25 of 25)

Bannerman's Edinburgh - 15-01-23

Anyone remember the youngster above? Well, he knows you, well some of you since his Youtube says he got some hits generated from this site, for which he's very grateful, btw.

Anyway, last night his band played only their 2nd gig and I was invited to leave my usual sanctuary to see what was shaking, and to check out the other bands on the bill - all of which are made up from students in the city; hence the placement of the posting. It made for my first visit to this vaunted and vaulted venue, so an experience all round.

So first up were a post-punk / new wave inspired trio, Goby with a short and spikey set that included a Buzzcocks and an Undertones cover, both a joy to hear again, even if the delivery was a little lacking. Unfortunately, their set was marred by the 1st glimmerings of a gremlin; no vocals in the sound mix at the start, then a snapped string and the drum kit almost collapsing (someone did get a bit too enthusiastic at the soundcheck...).

Next up were a septet, Deltamatic. Of the evening, these guys I'd say were the most experienced, but again, probably partially down to the mix, but there were 2 people too many on stage (why keyboards and 3 guitars?). Setting up and clearing times aside, they had a really good funky groove going, mainly down to their Bass player, that lad had it going on.

And finally, the reason I went up, Max and the band - The Southsiders. Well, after a promising start, the gremlin struck again, on the lead guitar, well, on both his guitars as it happened. Talk about "baptism of fire". However, taking the rhythm guy's back-up Strat and some hasty re-tuning and in an example of "grace under pressure" most of The Southsiders set was salvaged and they acquitted them selves, heads maybe not held as high as they'd wished, but at least above the crap. They certainly went down well with a lively & youthful crowd in the room.

Fair to say, each band has something to learn after the night's show and hopefully they take it on board as they made the push to get out there and play some live music, and clearly they enjoyed it, we enjoyed it, so it's still kicking in Edinburgh.

Lordy, so that's what it's like to be the oldest guy in the room: I used to worry about wearing the oldest t-shirt, even if it was a badge of honour - been there, seen them, here's the b****y t-shirt.