@ Summerhall, Edinburgh, 10 May 2015
Nothing Ever Happens Here continues at Summerhall in Edinburgh with an abundance of live music to revitalise the area’s music scene. On this particular night we have a triple bill that continues the successful formula of placing new local acts alongside established bands.
First up is C.Duncan, a solo performer (accompanied on this occasion by a keyboard player and guitarist) who entertains the audience with a series of dreamy and thoroughly enjoyable pop songs. His set includes a brave cover of ‘Pearly Dewdrops’ Drops‘ by the Cocteau Twins which, despite being daring, pays due respect to the original.
Adam Stafford is a musician whose intense soulfulness infuses both his music and stage presence. His performance process involves using a loop pedal to build up sounds and rhythms which are then sculpted into songs and soundscapes. He sometimes uses his guitar, sometimes his vocals chords, always keeping the audience in suspense with regard to where his powerful songs will end up. This produced a spontaneity in his set and gave a tone of intrigue and mystery to the performance.
New single ‘Atheist Money’ is out now on Song, by Toad Records and is certainly worth a listen if you are unfamiliar with this original and engaging musician. Even better, catch him live at the upcoming Hidden Door Festival on Saturday 23 May.
Khartoum Heroes may not be a familiar name to most, but the faces and voices of the band members will definitely strike a chord with those who have an interest in the Scottish music scene. They comprise King Creosote (Fence Collective founder and current SAY Award Longlister) and Vic Galloway (BBC Radio DJ) on guitar and vocals, Rory Sutherland (Broken Records) on violin, and Fence Collective regulars Uncle Beesley and Captain Geeko the Dead Aviator on bass and drums respectively. Each band member takes to the stage in fancy dress, fully clad as Mexican wrestlers and super heroes. From the get-go it is obvious that the musicians might not be approaching the Khartoum Heroes in the same way they tackle their regular musical endeavours.
In 2013 Vic Galloway released a book entitled ‘Songs in the Key of Fife‘, which brilliantly charted the struggles and successes of a group of musicians who hail from Fife (Khartoum Heroes included). The book highlighted how brilliant music can come from the most unlikely of places, so long as it is performed with passion and integrity. Khartoum Heroes embody this. Their songs are powerful and playful, compelling audience members to rise to their feet with a style that ranges from bluegrass and rockabilly to fast-paced country. It goes down an absolute storm.
The band originally formed 20 years ago and performed up and down the UK and Europe, before splitting up only a few years later. Members have found success elsewhere in the intervening years, and this reformation seems to be more about merriment than personal nostalgia. It was definitely invigorating and entertaining to attend a concert where the performers were having as much fun as the audience. It is very much hoped the band will stay together longer and play more shows this time around.