Live Review

The Imagineers – King Tut’s, Glasgow

• 24th Jun 2012

Glasgow’s favourite indie band The Imagineers returned to King Tut’s last night after a seven month absence to play a fine set that had a capacity crowd enthralled from start to finish.

It has been a busy time for the local boys, with recent appearances on US television courtesy of Scots comedian Craig Ferguson and the Late Late Show giving them the type of exposure that a young band can only usually dream of. Having just returned from LA after recording more songs for the show, the band were all keen to get back on stage.

Two support acts did a fine job of warming the crowd up. The Abstract started with a nice instrumental number before playing a set of melodic rock that had a sixties feel, especially in the slower songs. Their lead singer has a clear, even voice and the lead guitarist added flair to a solid sound. A cover of Summer In The City was well done and the closing Marie brought a lively set to an end with some lovely harmonies.

The Mix-Ups also played a very good set, their fast paced and melodic sound entertaining the many fans they had brought along. Lead singer Jamie Cameron has a good vocal range and was supported well by drummer Paul Preston on backing vocals. Playing with a stand in bass player did not seem to affect the performance and the addition of slide guitar and banjo to the mix gave great variety to their music. An entertaining set ended in an upbeat mood with a country style hoedown.

The Imagineers were on typically fine form and the large crowd danced and sang along from the first song. The Glasgow four piece are a great live band, full of dynamism and energy and their Latin rhythms and infectious melodies were as engaging as always.

The opening John The Terror (Notorious) was fast and furious, built on a great baseline from Ali Grieg and Stevie Young’s vocals were strong and true. Another newer song Albert Einstein followed, keeping the pace strong. And then Find Myself was next, a massive drum beat from Stephen Forbes driving the music forward.

Playing a very different set list from previous shows, the band concentrated on some great recent racks before returning to older fan favourites. Spanish Sands was bright and passionate, Young’s tender vocals backed by some fine lead guitar work from Scott Bonnyman. And the dramatic Fairground, often the opening song, was no less entertaining for being played late in the set.

The band’s signature tune Imagineer was delivered with its customary energy and vigour, and the crowd were now pressing forward towards the stage. Bizarrely, a stuffed tiger was being passed overhead; I’m sure there’s a story to that. The ever excellent Mariana was compelling, its Spanish rhythms and big chorus echoing nicely. The closing track on the set list was The Changeover, another one performed with big riffs and a singalong chorus that had everyone joining in.

There had been calls for an encore as soon as the final song was announced and the band did not disappoint. Rather than leave the stage they simply launched into Hour Of Need, another longtime favourite, to finish an excellent set in real style. There was an audible groan as the house lights went on, ending a great night of music.

I make no apologies for saying I am a big fan of The Imagineers. They continue to make great music and to play live shows of the highest quality. This is a band ready to make it big, and while their recent television appearances may have come in the USA I would love to think that a few people in the UK music industry have seen the videos and taken note. The Imagineers are a band with a big future.