It’s Friday night and we're venturing out of town, destination: Bathgate...
A town not normally associated with live music venues, but with The Midnight Breakfast club, this is changing. Already bagging some of Scotland’s best talent, such as Neon Waltz and The Morning Retakes, the intimate setting gives the crowd a chance to watch and hang out with their new favourite artists.
First up was local singer-songwriter Fraser McLean, playing a mixture of original material and crowd-pleasing covers. Latest single Blinded, is a touching piano ballad, portraying maturity beyond his 15 years. After the set we discovered this was his first time playing piano live, making his confident performance all the more impressive. Finishing with Gerry Cinnamon’s Belter, a mass-sing-a-long ensued which clearly gave both the crowd and young Fraser a buzz. One we’ll keep an eye on and watch with interest as he develops his sound and song-writing.
One of our favourite acts of 2018, 100 Fables, are up next. We first caught the Glasweigan new wave outfit, in Edinburgh earlier this year, and it was clear they had something. Since then they’ve had a weekly release of new tracks, specifically in the past 4 weeks, we’ve been treated to #fablesfriday. (Lets get it trending!) Tonight we hear their latest material, with Neon Nightmare and Last Kiss being particular highlights. With time running out, it was shame to cut personal favourite Untold form the set list, but instead they ended in style with the irresistible Wake Up.
After a successful supporting slot with Vistas last month, The Motion Poets brought the swagger of an indie band who mean business. Latest single, A Girl Like This, shows a progression from previous releases, with its slowly burning, drum-driven beat climaxing in a heavier instrumental sound. During the set they prove their versatility and turn their hand to catchy, bouncing indie-pop tracks which provided popular with the Bathgate locals. Backed by a healthy home crowd, local two-piece, Pyro, took to the stage. Despite only forming a little over 18 months ago, they have an impressive catalogue of singles and EPs, with stand out track Too Far Gone, showing a more melodic side. Interestingly, the main vocalist is drummer, Connor, who was relentless as he ensured the pace didn’t drop throughout. Mixed in with original material was a welcomed cover of The Hunter by Slaves, a little nod to one of their main influences.
As with all two-pieces you wonder how they can progress? Will they recruit new members? like Drenge, or back themselves like Royal Blood and Slaves. After a quick chat, it’s clear Pyro will be sticking to their guns and progressing as a two-piece. With the festival season upon us (they’ll be at Party at the Palace and XpoNorth) - we watch with anticipation as these young lads continue to build ahead of steam.
Finally, just a word for the organisers, as it’s gigs like tonight which were one of the reasons for setting up this blog, to see first hand the communities which come together to support their local venues and bands.
Big thanks to the Pyro boys for inviting us along.
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