Fear The Fives, John McFarlane live at Bar Bloc, Glasgow
Sitting up and watching BBC's obscenely intense coverage of the General Election was tempting (it's slightly better than Paramount Comedy) but heading to Bar Bloc for Fear The Fives' EP launch proved to be a much better use of my evening.
Opening the proceedings was John McFarlane, best known in his role as Sluts of Trust front man. This showing only reinforced my belief that this man to be one of Glasgow's most daring and inventive guitarists, worth seeing solely for his fretwork. However, McFarlane's talents stretch far into the realms of songwriting and singing as well. Seemingly in his element when onstage, John's performance was a welcome surprise and will hopefully be one seen in Glasgow more often.
Fear the Fives take to the stage. A little bit of culture never hurt anyone - in fact in this case it's been of significant benefit. This band came off sounding more Belgradian than Glaswegian, and that's not a case of special treatment for foreigners - this quartet are also rather talented. Keyboard player Charlie Milne sang and mumbled with nonchalant grace while the band almost seemed chronologically misplaced; a throwback to dive bars full of smoke and strumpets. The entire evening could've been in black and white.
So the evening ends and the world seems a bit less unattractive. A missing scene from a long lost Disney film, except that you know you're still in Glasgow. Mickey held up an off licence and Minnie's touting "business". Stay on the bus.
Reviewer: Peter McGee
Review Date: 6 May 2010
Websites
Fear The Fives
John McFarlane
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