Live Review

Culann – Broadcast, Glasgow

• 29th Nov 2014

Ayrshire rockers Culann played their last gig of the year in Glasgow, and gave a loud Saturday night crowd one to remember. This was a fine performance, full of the powerful yet melodic rock music that has made Culann such an exciting live act.

Newly formed local band When I Was Young opened the evening, their lead singer playing the first song solo. Hs anguished vocals over feedback heavy guitar grabbed the attention of an already large crowd. When the other three members of the band joined him the powerful rock sound created was solid and with some melody too. It was a promising debut, although a little loose in places, but this is a band that clearly has talent and the performances will get better.

Lanarkshire’s Ripley were up next and they kept the energy high with a mix of songs from their debut album plus a couple of new tracks. Their music is built around twin guitar riffs and some lovely bass work cut through the mix on several occasions. Their one cover song was a mash up based on a fast version of Psycho Killer, which got a great reception. Their one slower track Without You was also very good, showing that they have a change of pace too. It was a very god set from a promising young band.

After a lengthy break to set up the stage, all of the lights went out. The atmosphere was expectant, an audible buzz around the hot underground room. The lights went up and the music started to a tremendous roar, the pace past and furious from the off. Culann are a powerful rock band, two guitars duelling over solid bass and drums and the keyboards adding melody. And the vocals soar over the mix, emotional and strong with many in the crowd singing along with every word.

The swirling organ sound of Lilt From The Hills followed, the track starting softly before developing into another big rocker, with some tremendous drum rolls to bring it to a shuddering conclusion. There was then a short break in proceedings as lead singer PJ Kelly’s guitar died on him, but the other four members of the band filled time with an improvised instrumental section – and very good it was too.

Things were soon back on track, and the furious onslaught kept coming. The Lowlander’s Great Hatred from the band’s debut album stood out as always. New song Event Without Experience, which featured some fine lead guitar work from Greg Irish, was debuted to a very good reception and fan favourite Jerusalem ended the set in typically strong fashion. There was only time left for a one song encore, and Salvation was delivered strongly, the singalong section responded to very well.

Culann are basically a very good live rock band. They always give their all, and the mix of power and melody in their songs works very well on stage. And the anthemic choruses are always enthusiastically received by their ever growing fan base. Culann are one of the most exciting live acts in Scotland right now – perhaps in 2015 their talents will gain a wider recognition.

Venue: Broadcast, Glasgow
Support Band: When I Was Young, Ripley