I had been buzzing for the gig since the first day it was announced. This was the first night of the tour and there's no better place to stat a gig in Dundee right? The line up consisted of some of the hottest Scottish bands around, including Dundee's own Beta Waves.
First to take to the stage were Crystal. They are a band I am totally in love with right now. I've seen them quite a few times and each time it gets better and better, even if there were a couple of technical glitches at the start of the set. Their singer Anna's powerful voice echo'd round Conroys Basement which just added another dimension to their already superb live sound. Big things are expected from the band and on the evidence of this gig alone, its clear to see why, they were superb.
Second on the stage were Alligator. Now I have to admit I hadn't listened to any of their stuff before the gig but after their set I have to say I am now a fan. In what is already a packed Glasgow scene these guys style, sound and stage presence really does make them a stand out and somebody you should really get a long to and see live. The stage presence of their lead guitarist was particularly impressive although he spent more time off the stage than on it. A high energy sound with no nonsense lyrics and guitar riffs is the perfect recipe for what a band should sound like and that's exactly what Alligator are.
The third band to take to the tiny stage were Walt Disco. They are another band I have seen a couple of times in the past few months and somebody who I am really enjoying. I have long thought that their sound was something of a modern twist on one of my favourite 80's bands The Associates who are from Dundee. It was no surprise then to hear that during their set mention of their love for Dundee due to Billy Mackenzie, The Associates lead singer. If you are looking for a bad that stand out with style and their music sound then Walt Disco have to be top of that list. I could have listened to them perform all night as they were superb and also very fitting to be supporting Dundee's own Beta Waves. James Potter's striking vocals sounded amazing in the packed out, tiny room which grabbed everybody's attention. His stage presence is also another impressive trait of the band, interacting with not only the crowd but other members of the band. Another band that are just getting better and better every time I see them.
Finally it was time to see the headliners for the evening, home town lads Beta Waves. Having followed the band from their very first gig and seeing where they are now, their journey and rise in the Scottish music scene has been nothing short of incredible. The likeable and talented duo have been playing gigs across both sides of the UK border. Despite there being a few technical glitches at the start of their set, they powered through their set with incredible ease and sounded amazing. I wasn't sure what they would sound like in Conroy's having heard them in other venues in the city but they sounded great despite Harry informing me afterwards he couldn't hear anything in his monitor. With their unique sound and set up their really isn't anything like them in the music scene, which makes them stand out. I've lost count the number times I've seen them perform but each time they have never disappointed. If you haven't managed to see them at a gig before you are missing out. A brilliant night put on by the good folks over at Tenement TV and I'm delighted they chose Dundee as a destination as part of the tour, if this is to be the start of regular visits to the city of discovery, I cannot wait.
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