Live Review

The Imagineers – Stereo, Glasgow

• 25th Jun 2011

The Imagineers’ Circus was the title for this free event featuring three Scottish acts, the scheduled fourth having pulled out. And a great night of entertainment it was too.

Glasgow singer songwriter Martin Stuart Taggart opened the show with a good set of acoustic rock numbers. His songs are well written and melodic and he has a strong voice that suits his musical style. March Of Time, a dark sounding song featuring some nice guitar work, and the closing Glasgow Rain were the highlights of a confident and well delivered set.

Mass Consensus from Dundee also gave a good performance with a lively set of rock music, although their sound seemed a little cluttered at times. Kicking off in heavy rock mode, featuring twin guitars providing some meaty riffs, their musical approach changed when an acoustic guitar and a saxophone were introduced. New song Famous Last Chance, which featured a heavy beat and a big chorus, and The Circus, with almost spoken word vocals, stood out in a high energy set.

The Imagineers were both headliners and stars of the show. The band is carving out a reputation as excellent live performers and it is easy to see why. Their Latin tinged indie music features sweeping melodies and tight harmonies and there is always a dynamism to their shows.

Opening with the outstanding Fairground, the circus theme evident, the pace was high from the beginning. The Glasgow four piece were on fine form, mixing new songs into the set list along with many of their live staples. And the addition of a violin on several tracks gave an added edge, especially to Hour Of Need.

Stevie Young on lead vocals and acoustic guitar is an effective band leader, his voice powerful and emotional. He is well backed by Scott Bonnyman on lead guitar, who adds some lovely fills, and the potent rhythm section of Ali Grieg on bass and Stephen Forbes on drums who drive the sound relentlessly.

The audience packed into the small venue, eager to get close to the band, it seemed. And from the number who were singing along as they danced the band is clearly building up a solid fan base. Spanish Sands is always a fan favourite and it was delivered in fine style, complete with raucous audience backing vocals.

The closing pairing of the band’s signature tune, Imagineer and the always excellent Mariana provided a lively conclusion to an excellent set. But it didn’t end there. Members of Mass Consensus joined The Imagineers on stage for a wild and joyous closing jam that featured harmonica and sax to give a bluesy feel to the night’s excellent finale.

The Imagineers have a busy summer ahead with shows all over Scotland and an appearance at the Wickerman Festival to look forward to. And the band’s stock will surely continue to grow on the back of their fine live performances.