Some gigs really make you feel jaded about music. For Broken Records, playing in front of around 40-50 people in the Hug and Pint, it really makes you wonder how such a brilliant, banger-laden set isn’t being enjoyed by a much bigger audience. Yet at the same time, so many (and I’m being kind) decidedly dull artists catch a break either via zany social media personalities or society’s acceptance of mainstream dross. Coming away from this gig, I’m simultaneously buzzing and miffed.
But let’s not dwell on this middle-aged reviewer’s scunnered musings. Living in the moment, Broken Records deliver an hour and a half of euphoric, pulse-pumping, heart-thumping, soul-tingling Scottish indie rock anthems. Blethering and bantering is at a minimum as the Edinburgh sextet rattle through their extensive back catalogue with singer Jamie Sutherland asking the crowd if they’re ready to dance and excuse the lack of chat (there’s plenty to get through!).
Launching into ‘They Won’t Ever Leave Us Alone’ – played at breakneck speed – followed by ‘Let the Right One In’, the band is in fine form showing no signs of exertion from a triumphant evening in Edinburgh the night before. ‘Winterless Son’ from 2014’s Weights and Pulleys keeps the tempo up before the lesser spotted ‘Toska’ is introduced. This frenetic opening is full of E Street energy and New York cool delivered in a warm Scottish brogue, sung over the musical layers offered by the band crammed onto the tiny stage.
‘Night Time’ is tonight’s first track from last year’s Dreamless Sleep of the 1990s, channelling The Waterboys while album mate ‘Breathe’ veers towards Cure-ish territory in its brooding bass and synth melody. Songs like these and ‘Is It Love (You’re Looking For)?’ suggest a strong ’80s influence in their most recent output, which they have mined and transformed into their own Broken Records story. This also lends an air of familiarity to their music and a subconscious affection from the mostly ‘35 and overs’ lot in attendance.
Even those unacquainted with the band’s discography find themselves initially swaying modestly, before full-on hip-shake jigging by the end. The romantic ‘Perfect Hollow Love’ and the manic ‘A Good Reason’ showcase the band’s versatility before ‘Nearly Home’ from 2009’s Until the Earth Begins to Part closes out the gig in epic fashion. In a just land, Broken Records have the tunes to fill out much bigger spaces. As Sutherland says with a nudge and a wink, “Tell your friends”.