DundeeDUNDEE LIVE - BANDS TO WATCH!!
Westport Bar, Dundee 20-11-04: RISING SIGNS + The Law
Going back over a year now, when I was asked to check out some other band (who turned out to be a waste of time), it was this band, playing support on the night, that drew me to what turned out to be a wealth of local musical talent in Dundee, this lot included.
On that night, I remember being extremely impressed by their music but felt that the vocalist was all wrong for the band, even though the compositions appeared to be a selection of quality originals. As things turned out, I got into contact with the band and kept in touch. A short time ago, they changed vocalist, and this was to be the debut of the new line-up - would things have improved?
The answer turned out to be a resounding "yes". This band is a quintet in the tradition of rhythm section, lead and rhythm guitarists and vocalist. Right from the start of the set the twin guitars set the scene as a combination of chiming guitars and riffing began the first number, very soon joined by bass then drums and finally the vocals - in one brief minute, letting you know that this band is back and hot. The things you immeditely think of when hearing the band are the almost Stone Roses approach to ther guitar work, and even, to a degree, to the drums too, while the bass has that full, pounding sound so reminiscent of New Order, only here beneath an overtly indie guitar band, the whole "Manchestr - 80's" feel present as an influence, although in no way copyist. Vocally, the new guy is good - extremely good - with an individual voice, in tune, not hoollering, quite powerful, he almost sounded at times like he was doing his own harmonies as the strength of the vocal came into play. Fuelled by the guitars, the rolling indie passion of the opening track really starts things off to a tee.
Track two is similar in pace and strength only this time more individual, the guitars work now a duel cauldron of entwining riffs that move together or weave in and out of each other, with a composition that's quite intense but soars to great height, again, the vocalist flying along on top.After this the dynamics of the set was toned down a notch as a couple of slower, more "ballad"-like tracks came into play, not exactly immediately something you'd remember on first hearing in a live settting like this, but decidedly quality songs. Throughout, the band played cohesively and you couldn't help get the feeling that once this band really sparks into life, there will be a bright future awaiting.
Sadly the set was stopped thanks to an incident in the crowd and this was all we got to hear of them but it was enough to be able to state quite categorically that this is a now potentially great band, with some superb guitars work and general performance all round - and a vocalist that fits, at last. Hopefully, more to come......
Back to Dundee Live home page
Email Andy G
Menu