Gigs

Feb 24 2008

Mail Music

MARK RONSON *****

CARLING ACADEMY, GLASGOW, FEBRUARY 15

The former hip-hop DJ showed he is more than just a genius on the decks - this set proved the Brit winner has got soul.

With a vibe that smacked more of a Motown revue than a pop gig, he raised the roof with a 12-piece band including a foxy string quartet,a three-piece brass section and various guest vocalists.

Ronson himself was impressive on lead guitar but it was crowd pleasers Stop, with vocals from Daniel Merriweather, and Valerie that really thrilled fans.Laura Davidson

REVEREND AND THE MAKERS *****

BARROWLAND, GLASGOW, FEBRUARY 19

The Reverend took to the stage to the sound of an organ before the band launched into their usual brand of indie electro beats.

Frontman Jon McClure has excellent vocals and tracks such as big hit Heavyweight Champion Of The World, He Said He Loved Me and Bandit thrilled devotees. The singer's sharp political recitals between tracks also hit the right note with his flock. Kim Winston

THE VON BONDIES *****

STEREO, GLASGOW, FEBRUARY 20

Frontman Jason Stollsteimer and drummer Don Blum are the only original members left but the group still sound crisp and urgent.

Imitating the Stooges, Sonic Youth and Led Zeppelin, they are like a less pretentious Dandy Warhols boasting spiky indie-rock anthems with catchy choruses.

Old favourites C'mon C'mon, It Came From Japan and The Fever showed new members Alicia Gbur, Leann Banks and Matt Lannoo are settling in nicely, while tracks from their forthcoming album such as Pale Bride and 21st Birthday proved Stollsteimer can still craft a tune. John Kelly

MEGADETH *****

CARLING ACADEMY, GLASGOW, FEBRUARY 19

The thrash legends were on red-hot form thanks to frenzied riffing and Dave Mustaine's furious screeching vocals.

Aside from an unusually quiet start,the only dodgy moment was when Mustaine was handed an England flag to wave around but he soon talked the raging crowd down.

A virtuoso turn from former Jag Panzer guitarist Chris Broderick stood out,his fiery playing giving Hanger 18 new life. But the real show-stopper was Peace Sells, which had the crowd chanting along. Monty Archibald

THE RASCALS *****

CABARET VOLTAIRE, EDINBURGH, FEBRUARY 18

Praise from Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner has won the band worthy attention.

Showcasing a new EP and tracks from their forthcoming debut album, the trio - led by charismatic frontman Miles Kane - barely paused for breath as they rattled through a highly-charged set of indie-rock.Explosive opener Ratcatcher was dark and frenetic, while Shades Of Embarrassment and Bond Girl were driven by off-kilter riffs and imaginative arrangements. Adam Andrews

NICK HARRISON *****

CAFE DRUMMOND, ABERDEEN, FEBRUARY 19

Ajoy to watch, Harrison fired through a collection of ska, rock and reggae tunes.

The 21-year-old adapts his voice to suit each genre and his enthusiasm and charm quickly won over the crowd.

There were hints of The Kooks,and The Police and highlights included Snowing Softly, its mellow cockney rhymes giving way to pounding drums,and the fabulous reggae guitar of Honey. Lesley Haw

SINKING CITIES *****

ABC2, GLASGOW, FEBRUARY 16

This group have a rag-tag image but there is nothing sloppy about their music.

The unsigned Glasgow outfit were tight and focused with frontman Paul Doonan's vocals giving some edge.

Most of their music was impressive but their tunes sometimes veered into overfamiliar American radio-rock territory.

The drum-heavy intro of the enjoyable Sweaty Betty was a highlight, while fast-paced rocker Anxiety was an energetic closer.

The band's enthusiasm was also infectious but they need to break up the deathly quiet between tracks. Monty Archibald

ROYWORLD *****

KING TUT'S, GLASGOW, FEBRUARY 16

The band sound like a fusion of Roxy Music, Talking Heads and The Killers and boast a collection of well-constructed, catchy songs.

Highlights included opener Elasticity, whose piano base was complemented by poignant, quivering vocals and sampled harmonies, and new single Man In The Machine, powered by manic drumming and commanding hooks. Paul Elliott

SONS AND DAUGHTERS *****

ABC, GLASGOW, FEBRUARY 15

Asell-out crowd of die-hard fans were treated to a show bursting with enthusiasm.

Singers and lovers Adele Bethel and Scott Paterson combined fraught tension and subtle sexiness, the former an earnest and sometimes demented singer.

With their three albums, the quartet have amassed a collection of high-quality tracks and the very best were played.

Rama Lama and the frantic Johnny Cash perfectly complement great new songs such as Gilt Complex and Goodbye Service. The promised encore never came but this was still a fine set. John Kelly

LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION *****

KING TUT'S, GLASGOW, FEBRUARY 15

Former Test Icicles star Devonte Hynes' debut album Falling Off The Lavender Bridge is full of rich, Americana-influenced, indie songs featuring lush violin, pedal steel and vocal harmonies.

This was a loose, playful set with a rotating cast of backing musicians which was charming although a bit messy at times.

Opening with a hilarious cover of the Star Wars tune, he sipped on Ribena and refused to remove his furry hat despite the heat. Tell Me What It's Worth and I Could Have Done This Myself stood out. Malcolm Jack