Electric Fields, Music News, Reviews and Gig Listings

Hey Guys, hows your summer going? Weather is a bit grim but hey well get our 2 weeks of Indian Summer before Winter beckons. Lots going on recently with much yet to come but well start with the last major Scottish festival of the year Electric Fields.

Now a 2 day event after the success of previous events, the festival takes place in the pulchritudinous settings of Drumlanrig Castle down in the rolling hills of Thornhill in Dumfries & Galloway. Still a boutique independent festival, its eclectic lineup has garnered plenty of ticket sales and its on course for a sell out so grab your tickets as soon as you can. Hopefully the aforementioned Indian Summer rears its sunny head for headliners Primal Scream and The Charlatans. Ably supported by Everything Everything, Public Service Broadcasting, Erol Alkan (whom Im looking forward to seeing I can tell you), Admiral Fallow, DJ Yoda, The Sugarhill Gang and many many more. It takes place on the 26th/27th August and if its anything like last year, it will be a corker. Take my word for it and go. If you dont check back here for a full review and photos as yir old da will be covering it.

MUSIC NEWS

The Maccabees have decided to call it a day after 14 successful years in the music game. Got to give them massive credit for going out at the top, after sold out shows and a well received album. Maybe the creativity had gone or they wanted to concentrate on other things but Kudos on going out on their own terms and not being dropped in the fickle world of major labels. Boys we salute you and good luck on future projects.

After the tragic deaths of Viola Beach earlier this year, the scene is again mourning the loss of another talented young man. Gary Watson of regarded up and comers The Lapelles died in a tragic accident over the weekend with the band confirming it via their social media channels. Our thoughts here at GM go to the band of brothers and to the family involved, I had the pleasure of seeing them just weeks ago and they were thrilling live. Just shows we gotta make the most of it whilst we are here.

On the macabre front, Londons nightlife is reeling from the loss of potentially 2 of its most respected venues. Studio 338 burned down with the lamentable loss of a staff member. You can donate to their funeral plans for Thomas on their Facebook page and again our heart goes out to those involved. London powerhouse and arguably the most respected club in the capital Fabric is facing potential closure due to the deaths of 2 18 yr olds from suspected drug overdoses. The club, in my opinion, had done as much as they can to prevent drug deaths and has been without incident for months until now but Islington Council will be the ones to determine their fate. Personally, id hate to see a club whose ethos i have admired from afar go down due to the over indulgence of teenagers who have no idea their limit on drugs. As sympathetic as i am to the families of the deceased, it shines a fixated light on our draconian drug laws as much as anything else.

GIG REVIEW
BOOHOOHOO/THE VEGAN LEATHER - KING TUTS SUMMER LIVE - 29TH JULY

Even with a just a handful of gigs under their kaleidoscopic belts, the buzz continues to grow for BooHooHoo here, more than supporting The Vegan Leather. Their uptempo brand of ersatz electro pop has been more than well received of late and tonight they showed why. Not always the easiest in the support slot, especially when this would be their largest gig to date one would assume, not to mention converting those who were here to see a very different style from the one on show from the colourful quartet. A few disgruntled looks from the band towards the sound guys (rightly so) didnt diminish this hook laden joyful 40 minutes. As warm and radiant as watching the sun rise on dew laden grass at the height of summer. Marvellous.

Im sure they didnt want to usurp the headliners and The Vegan Leather made the most of the job the support did on warming up the crowd. Already on the festival circuit, this art pop foursome from Paisley are well on the up showing quite succinctly why they bagged headline status and why this show was a sell out. Their star will continue to shine on this showing and I personally look forward to covering more of their gigs in the future.

INCOMING

No, not the Homing Missile of a Worm but upcoming gigs in the best city in Scotland -

Fantastic Negrito play Tuts on 17th September
Benjamin Francis Leftwich hits Oran Mor on the 30th September
Swans at Oran Mor October 11th
Gun headline BringbackRockRadio at The Garage on 9th September with proceeds going to Nordoff Robbins
If Indie-Pop is your bag then LA trio Lany hit Tuts on the 30th August
DIY rockers ELevant play the 13th Note on 29th August
Newcomer and Radio One play listed Natalie McCool plays Hug & Pint on 22nd September.

Remember guys, if you want any gigs covered then send me a note at [email protected] and Ill see you sexy bastards later in September. Get out, listen, support local bands and venues, have fun with your friends and stay safe.

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