Ironworks, Inverness, 18 February 2007

Catching Amy (photo - Fraser Welsh)

IT WAS a small crowd that turned out for the Ironworks’ first Unleashed session of 2007. Although not surprising on a cold Sunday evening, this poor attendance was a shame. The night aims to showcase unsigned local talent, and offered a diverse and intriguing line up of bands in fine form.

Fyonn, a sixteen-year-old singer and guitarist, was first up. Seated at the stage edge, she delivered an intimate and powerful acoustic set of American-inspired female rock, in the tradition of Avril Lavine or Alanis Morissette.

Her mature voice, skilled guitar playing and ear for a well-structured song not only prove her father, a local music teacher, has taught her well, but also showed that music runs in her blood.

Her lyrics perfectly define what it’s like to be a teen: a bit of heartbreak, a bit of angst, a million questions and, beautifully elucidated in her parting song, the brilliant, tight and fun friendships that help you get through it all. Fyonn is defiantly a girl to watch.

Alness four piece, Catching Amy, had an altogether different stage presence. Visibly filling the stage, they played a less intimate but laid back set of melodic Indie-rock, with hints of Stereophonics and Pearl Jam. Their relaxed, almost detached attitude said as much about their effortless talent as it did about the quiet Sunday evening: their sound was full and pitch perfect, their songs were expertly arranged, and the lead singer has an undiscovered gem of a voice.

Their final song, ‘Overload’, gave us a glimpse of the frenetic energy that we knew lurked behind Catching Amy’s relaxed stance, and left me eager to see them vibe off a bigger, Friday night crowd where they surely belong.

And now for something completely different: an Inverness rap outfit!

Spit Dis are the first rappers I’ve ever seen in the Highlands, let alone Inverness. I had no idea what to expect from the gang of young MCs, but needless to say the prospect of “tight rhymes” in Invernessian accents was intriguing.

Of course, the delivery and lyrics were strongly influenced by American artists like Eminem and Tupac, but the universal lyrics about the experiences of modern youth and the occasional local twangs were a treat.

And, though it’s true some of the crew were more practiced than others (the guesting members of Elite Cartel were particularly eloquent and skilled,) the first public signs of a small but burgeoning urban music scene in Inverness was a treat in itself. I’ve got nothing but enthusiasm and support for these brave lads. Respeck!

So, despite being a low turnout, the first Unleashed of 2007 was a success, showing the ever increasing scope and talent of contemporary Highland music. With a little time to find their feet and shed off some of the American deferences, all three acts should have a promising future.

© Susan Szymborski, 2007

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