- Popup
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Popup
Glasgow 13th Note
It’s the stereotypical rainy Tuesday in October. Three unsigned bands, two of which I have never heard of - Popup being one. My attendance is out of duty - and not a benevolent one at that. But I am there so I devote my undivided attention to the stage. Popup are on first - which is really the best spot when trying to get people out on a wet Tuesday if you think about. Angular, now that’s a word bandied about a lot at the moment, along with the names of many Scottish independent bands from the 80s. These things went through my mind when Popup kicked off their set. Another band grappling on the coat tails of what the NME like at the moment ? Well, it only took one and a half songs for such cynical thoughts to dissipate. To second guess what was driving and inspiring this band would only be speculation on my part. I stopped caring anyway. Whatever it was, distilled through them, it sounded fresh and inspiring to me.
Two guitars jerked out the fast rhythms that in turn were held down, and at times followed by the drums and bass. Each instrument inventive without being muso. Melodies and hooks in abundance to pull you in. Pop with energy and imagination.
Best of all ? Sitting on top of this music - which in the wrong hands could sound like contrived artwank - the lyrics are delivered in a no nonsense Scottish accent. As indeed are the backing vocals. Even the lyrics are delivered imaginatively. Sometimes like a narrative, sometimes with infectious melody and at times, delivered at a 100 miles an hour. ‘Lucy What You Tryin’ to Say’ seems to encompass everything they do in less than 3 minutes. A smart story-telling lyric and yes, a great chorus. ‘In Her Day’ features a delivery in parts that is verging on speaking in tongues. The vocals grounded the songs perfectly. Smart, but not smart arsed in an attempt to render the songs too clever and impenetrable..
A good band with good songs that were confidently delivered. Every rainy Tuesday should have one. (Jimmy Kilminster)