Pyro | Angry Man Car Park | The Monocaster
9th August @ Glenmavis Tavern, Bathgate
The renowned “Hit The Road” tour, which gives young musicians a taste of touring, returned for another 3 date jaunt across some of the best small venues in Scotland. The tour organised by ‘Scottish Music Centre’ with support from the ‘Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI)’ programme, has a range of impressive alumni including the likes of Be Charlotte, Indigo Velvet and the National sweart-heart, Lewis Capaldi.
We braved the summer storms and headed to Bathgate’s Glenmavis Tavern for the opening night of the 3-day tour, on the bill were 3 young bands each bringing something different to the party; Opening we had The Monocasters, followed by Aberdeen’s Angry Man Car Park, with local favourites, Pyro taking the headliner slot.
The Monocasters
Up first were Glasgow 4-piece, The Monocasters, who oozed rock ’n’ roll attitude and stage presence beyond their teenage years. It’s not always an easy slot being first up, but the lads weren’t fazed as they delighted the early crowd with tracks such as The Hives-influenced ’I Need Something Something’ and the pulsating ‘Drop’. Hurtling through an impressive number of tracks packed into a 30mins set, they saved the best for last as final track, and latest single, ‘Guillotine’; An indie/rock anthem in the waiting, had the crowd bouncing as the heat in the tiny upstairs venue started build.
Angry Man Car Park
Arriving from Aberdeen, Angry Man Car Park (yes, named after an angry man in a car park) treated the sizeable crowd to an electric mix of intricate guitar riffs and key changes. Frontman, Adam Strachan, stole the show with his striking vocal performance, while donning a ‘The Ninth Wave’ tee, clearly a clue to where his influences stem from. As it happens, the boys have been back and forth to Glasgow’s infamous 7West Studios, as they record their first tracks ready to be unleashed, hopefully, before the year is out.
Pyro
Heading tonight were, Pyro, a band we’ve been keeping a close eye on over the past 12months as they continue to develop with each release and most notably, with each live show. The two-piece comprised of Connor on drums/vocals and Cameron on guitar, have made massive strides from this time last year. You can see how comfortable they are, with increased crowd interaction and Cammy making the most of the available stage space, really slaying them heavy riffs. The set was littered with some exciting new material nestled in with favourites such as ‘Regret or Forget’ , ‘Too Far Gone’ and the massive sounding ‘Tear Me Down’.
It’s great to see initiatives like this well backed and supported by locals, emerging bands need nights like this to develop, make the odd mistake and ultimately learn. All 3 bands tonight offered something original and exciting, from all accounts the tour went on to be a success as they played infamous venues in both Aberdeen and Glasgow. - DC