Before they became world famous, BABE once played the tiny venue that is The Glad Cafe in Glasgow. At least that’s how the story may yet go if they keep writing music this catchy.
Taking a detour from guitar noise, tonight’s bill at the Glad Cafe was a celebration of ideas and rhythms over middle of the road snoresville. Paying £8 to see three acts, two of which I’d never heard of before, and having only had access to two tracks from the headliners meant that this show was a leap of faith. In which case I can only conclude, Praise The Synth Lords!
Each group was special and unique in its own way.
Folk/psychedelic 5-piece Woven Tents is akin to wandering around an exuberant fairground that the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland has taken over. At times breathtakingly beautiful, interspersed with clumsy false starts and a wah pedal that I’d happily beat a man to death with. A hunch tells me they didn’t get much of a soundcheck and that didn’t help either. A marmite proposition if ever there was one. I’d pay to watch them again.
Woven Tents @ the Glad Cafe
Ubre Blanca is indeed the recognisable sound of 80′s sci-fi. Gamers in attendance who are familiar with the audio that accompanies a player’s death at any time in Mass Effect 1 may experience flashbacks at the hands of the Geth. This is full on, hypnotic layers of galaxy porn in zero gravity. An unexpected highlight.
Ubre Blanca @ the Glad Cafe
Headliners Babe get full marks. Free download Tilt is head and shoulders their standout track and you could imagine a packed Barrowlands bouncing around to it. To get there, the rest of the set will need to raise its game from very promising to too catchy to ignore. What makes the songs stand out is the vocal approach and infectious energy the band gives off. Don’t be surprised if Babe become massive. They have the talent and the first batch of songs are easily better than what you’d expect. Keep an eye on these guys – debut album out very soon!
