|
GET A ROOM, Glasgow Brunswick Hotel
This was one of those nights that seems to come out of nowhere. There
were whispered words, a rumble of “Franz Ferdinand!” and “Bloc
Party!”, and a notion that the £15 ticket price would be
going to a good home (Oxfam). There were lists of bands flying up on ‘secret’ websites,
a mumble of ‘chateaux!’ and suddenly it was sold out.
Brunswick Hotel was an unlikely venue for such a night. It may be fabulous
inside, and host a number of cool live and club nights, but it remains
unavoidably small. This was my first question – where were we all
going to go? But, after passing the live set from Samba Ya Bamba on the
street outside, and the dwarf bouncer stepped aside (very Twin Peaks),
it all became extremely clear - we were just going to have to breathe
in!
The bar on ground level was first stop, to order Vodka Red Bulls and
check out the clientele. Music was provided by Bebado, a mixture of beats
that helped kick off the night, accompanied by visuals on the far wall.
Someone somewhere mentioned something about the ‘Penthouse’ and
we were off, finding the lift, finding the floor, and soon enveloped
in the cool sounds of The Buff. Wandering around were various Club Noir
types, the Ring Master keeping time with his cane, and a perfectly plastic
pink usherette selling CDs for £1, proceeds to Sudan.
Tea House Tchai Ovna had a spot in the upper floor of the Penthouse,
selling tea and tobacco to Roomers relaxing on Persian rugs, and the
music shifted to live jazz trumpet as the DJ kept spinning out the soul.
Back out, delving into the depths, and we had already missed the curiously
named AKA The Fox, and Glasvegas. In time to see Flying Matchstick Men,
then, at 1am. Their set followed a stomping Josephine set, and it was
hard not to notice Franz’s Alex and Nick checking out the local
competition whilst the ‘Phine mixed up new tracks, EP tracks (‘5521’ and ‘Out
of Our Week’) and a couple of old faves, ending with a raucous ‘This
is Not an Exit’.
Flying Matchstick Men exploded onto stage as the final chords rang, keeping
up the euphoric atmosphere, launching straight into their brand of electro
indie glam. ‘Don’t Be Ridiculous’ was as fast as they’ve
ever played, drummer Mark looking like a man possessed as he battered
through, singer Graham gesticulating wildly. Highlights were ‘Trying
to be Picasso’, ‘Duvet’ and new song ‘Look Good’,
their Beatles number, which brought the set to a polished – if
overwhelmingly tongue-in-cheek – end.
Remains of the night? Lost to Penthouse platitudes and Bloc-ed barbarisms.
Oxfam’ll be pleased.
(Misty O)
|