Aberdeen's first "House of Jack Festival" proved to be an overall success with many peaks and only a couple troughs on a busy night down at Unit 51!
Beginning at the perhaps ever so slightly early time of 3pm the event started brightly with strong sets from both Terra Nova and Pages. The former providing a selection of neatly effective punk songs on the heavier side of the genre, propelled forward by tight instrumentation and well-used vocals. Pages meanwhile presented a mature set of strong songs, abundant in both their variety of styles and themes discussed, shifting smoothly from tune to tune in a manner that produced a live performance as joyfully captivating as it was dance inducing.
Dundee group Plasmas got off to an uneven start but steadied the ship a few songs in to craft an overall well produced set of chilled out tunes that were well enjoyed by a crowd likely to be unfamiliar with their music until now.
They were followed by another hometown group, Black Tiles, who like Pages boasted a set varying nicely in style and tempo of songs. Having now expanded to a five piece, their earlier rockier tunes can be adored just as much as their more recent synth heavier compositions. However, it's the through line of strong instrumentation and compelling lyrics, buoyed by powerful vocals, that connects the two eras of the band and leaves one excited for where they'll sonically venture to next.
Vansleep brought home the best crowd reaction of the night with their tight indie infused tunes resulting in repeated mosh pits spawning, a feature which seems to be quickly becoming a staple of the Aberdeen alt-rocker's gigs. The group boast a set remarkably strong for any band and their youthful age only makes their holster of fast firing relatable bangers more impressive. Lead singer Kyle MacRitchie's effortless vocals are effectively deployed to ensure his inventory of memorable hooks hit hearts with maximum emotional impact but it's the tight reciprocating instrumentation of the full band that really drives the songs to sky scraping heights.
Nicky Aitken and the Temple Sons turned in a solid if not slightly paint by numbers set of rock and blues infused tunes that can be commended for their effectiveness and driving nature. Their performance helped to keep a night that could have dragged on moving forward both swiftly and entertainingly.
Next up Gypsy Roots offered a welcome change providing a smooth refreshing blend of both reggae and rock, with their sturdy stage presence well complimented by a selection of emotionally affecting tunes.
Bolstering a strong set, electrified by a stage presence which oozed charisma and energy in great abundance, The Capollos were perhaps the highlight of the night. Reliable old favourites such as "Get Out" and "Yours, Now, Forever" went down well alongside intoxicating new single "Addiction" and the welcome inclusion of a vibrant Miles Kane cover was an unexpected treat. Whilst the thoughtfully penned lyrics and touching vocal harmonies handle the moving emotional impact the band extend onto their crowd, it’s the heart racing momentum of drums and guitar that help power them onward and upward to new levels of excellence.
Lastly came the night's headliner. Whilst putting in an admirable performance Shambolics failed to equal the same heights of their predecessors such as the powerful stage presence provided by The Capollos, Vansleep's riotous crowd reaction and Black Tile's impressive variety of tunes. It therefore raised the question whether an out of town headliner is indeed required and should the event go forward once again next year a full lineup of entirely Aberdeen acts would indeed be a pleasurable sight.
With an astounding crop of bands emerging from the city in the last few years and continuing to do so today, a festival like "House of Jack" celebrating such talent is a welcome delight indeed!
תגובות