Live Review

Admiral Fallow – 02 ABC, Glasgow

• 28th Jan 2012

The Celtic Connections festival has been going since 1994 and attracts artists and fans alike from the world over. The festival has also won awards and several broadcasters, most prominently the BBC broadcast the musical talent the city and world over. Don’t let the festival name fool you though, it is not all about fiddles or bagpipes, for there will be Mylo djing a ceilidh and artists blending in electronica to the traditions of Celtic music.

The two support bands should get a mention; they both contributed to the night and were good. Chasing Owls, from Edinburgh are representative of the slight shift in musical taste. They have firmly folk roots, but present it in a very art rock sort of a way. They clearly connect with the audience and whilst appreciated, there is no moment of ecstasy. Found, are an unusual and interesting experimental band which seem more divisive than connective to the multitudes. You either love or dislike them as their soundscapes open their set of slow and dark music.

Tonight was a moment. The design of the stage which seems more like a set from a very comfortable home with lampshade props. The people were smiling at the thought of the band coming in an every shortening period of time. The excitement became real when all the stage lights were dimmed and the house music was faded out. The howls of delight filled the night air as Admiral Fallow finally joined us all. High expectations lay on their shoulders and they did not disappoint with their traditional leaning folk. Their music maintains its stripped down simplicity as they kick off with Old Balloons.

Whilst they were in full swing they were able to promote their new single Beetle in the Box. The lead singer Palo Luna grabs most of the attention with his quirky chicken walk, he does duet with keyboardist Sarah Hayes on the song Bomb Through the Town. Dead Leg is probably the stand out track of the set, this is a genuinely graceful song which brings the other, more uncomfortable emotions out. Beauty was both audible and visible tonight. The audible beauty needs no repetition visual beauty is when the ticker tape is released and descends onto the gently swaying sea of people.

Tonight, at least, Admiral Fallow outshone everything. How about a real jig and reel? Just one of those bands you have to see live. A good criac all round.