Netsounds Unsigned Showcase

2 Jan 2011 in Highland, Music, Showcase

Hootannany, Inverness, 28 December 2010

TO CELEBRATE a triumphant 2010, exciting Highland-based weekly podcast show Netsounds Unsigned and Hootannany’s hosted an ambitious End of Year Showcase programming eight acts from throughout the Highlands and Islands and beyond over two floors.

The pick of the early showcases was delivered by Wick based rockers Always the Sixth; having last seen the young four-piece deliver a slightly shaky performance at Belladrum in the summer, they have since developed into a far more competent prospect in the live environment.

In terms of material, they are yet to tie down any distinct musical identity, and there were some wobbly moments from a technical perspective, however, if they continue to improve at the rate they have in 2010, then they may be a young Highland band to watch in 2011.

Niteworks

Having impressed on the opening night of Blas 2010 at Inverness Airport, Skye’s Niteworks proved equally exciting under more intimate conditions. Boasting a sharp mix of live electronics, traditional instrumentation and thumping dance grooves, they have genuine cross-over potential.

It’s a pretty unrelenting bombardment of pounding electronics which provide a thumping platform for a series of rousing traditional tunes, which despite remaining a little devoid of dynamics, was a hugely enjoyable experience.

The Little Mill of Happiness are something of a local supergroup, featuring members of The Lush Rollers, Shutter and Abagail Grey amongst others, and perhaps unsurprisingly, delivered the stand-out set of the evening.

TLMOH boast a potent combination of killer guitar lines and intriguingly moody lyrical themes which are thought-provoking, compelling and instantly cool. Their material is also impeccably arranged in places, ensuring the treble guitar parts remained complementary throughout.

The Little Mill of Happiness

Their influences are fairly explicit, recalling a number of fine acts from Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr to Teenage Fanclub and Wilco amongst others, but they skilfully manage to retain a refreshing originality which is bold, coherent and powerful.

In terms of material, Article of Faith was particularly impressive; it’s a deeply lyrical, musically blistering track which is simply fantastic.

The musicianship was of a predictably high standard and frontman Steve Obern is an engaging presence in possession of a robust, at times snarling and visceral vocal style which is intense, sincere and completely credible. TLMOH crackle with genuine promise, and with the band scheduled to enter the studio with acclaimed producer Tony Doogan early next year, they may well be legitimate contenders in 2011.

Among the remaining acts, Inverness’s Whisky River Band offered a promising set of well-crafted material, as did Last Summer Effect (formerly Carpe Diem); and Aberdeen based five-piece The Brothers Reid delivered a decent set of country-tinged blues, which, despite remaining firmly within the parameters of formulaic familiarity, was energetically delivered and well executed.

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