Last time Braid played Glasgow was over ten years ago with The Get Up Kids. They’ve influenced countless bands since then and this was a rare opportunity to see them in the flesh. Could the headliners live up to the billing?
The gig was billed as BRAID “playing their album ‘Frame & Canvas’ in full for the 15 year Anniversary“. I’d arranged my holiday so that I could fly via London Gatwick back to Glasgow with a few hours to spare before doors opened. That tickets were still available on the door surprised me. This is Braid for fucks sake! Scotland’s 4th generation derivative of the emo-hardcore genre appears to be so far removed, as to not be bothered enough to show up when a primary influence comes to town.
At least it wasn’t the hipster douchebag fest that was Pavement playing the Barras a few years ago. Too many people wanting to be seen to be at a gig makes me want to torch the whole place. Everyone present last night was there to see if the headliners could live up to the billing. Dare we dream of such a thing?
During the support acts my friend Alison joked that the crowd was a bit of a sausage-fest. “What’s with all the guys wearing caps and shorts?” she asked. My reply isn’t suitable for a PG-13 blog so I’ll go with this alternative faux witticism – “they probably think they’re at a Fat Wreck gig”. To be fair, I’ve been listening to NOFX more often of late so I shouldn’t joke too much. The female quota did indeed rise by the time Braid picked up their instruments.
NO ONE CARES ABOUT THE NAMES OF YOUR SONGS (YET)
Opening act Nai Harvest consists of a drummer and a guitarist from Sheffield playing predictable emo-indie rock. Singer-guitarist Ben took about three songs for his voice to warm up. Not a whisky drinker then.
Lew on drums keeps everything ticking over with minimum fuss. There are a couple of catchy riffs and if it wasn’t for a very strong finish you’d be forgiven for describing the set as mostly forgettable. There is nothing being gained from the absence of a bassist here other than to highlight the ordinary-ness of the singing and guitar playing.
As you’d expect it’s heart on the sleeve stuff that falls between all the stools of emo’s various mutations. I admire the intent but the execution is lacking. Being a two-piece means your musicianship will always come under closer scrutiny. If you’re a genre fanatic willing to overlook these shortcomings then they might just make your playlist.
JOY TO THE WORLD
After the gig I spent £15 on Crash of Rhinos‘ double LP. This purchase was made on the grounds that it’s out on the highly respected indie label Big Scary Monsters and the band have strong word of mouth. And I was feeling generous having literally arrived back from holiday.
On the strength of tonight’s main support slot alone I’d sooner have stabbed myself in the eye with an iffy biro than buy their record. It was a set plagued with technical difficulties, killing any momentum that could have built up. Even when they managed to swap instruments and knock out a number, it was a bit tedious. Emo fanboys love them but I’ve yet to see any reason why. On this showing they’re not interesting enough compared to other math-core influenced groups and similarly they lack the pop suss of mainstream acts to reach a wider audience. The word that springs to mind is joyless. The band didn’t enjoy the gig and I didn’t enjoy listening to the start-stop tech problems.
But hey, I bought the album anyway because maybe there is happiness and an epic journey to be had with this gang of earnest young men. In a non-sexual way of course.
EVERYTHING IN THEIR LOCKER
So far this year two live bands have stood out for me: Kvelertak and METZ. Make that three after last night. Braid were head and shoulders above the vast majority of bands you will see, EVER. The problem with reputation is that it can build expectations up too much. Dwarves were poor when I saw them a few years ago in Glasgow.
On a night of epic emo-core, Braid reminded all present why they have influenced so many bands in the last fifteen years. As the Match of the Day sports pundits would say they have everything in their locker. Songs, inventiveness, musicianship, stage presence, passion, and all delivered with a joyous, playful intensity that was infectious. They made you want to sing and dance every bit as much as Scissor Sisters would, albeit without the cheese!
Frame & Canvas live sounded more vital and expressive than it does on record, much in the same way that Jimmy Eat World’s Clarity Live album sounds superior to the studio original. Years of playing shows and a wicked sense of humour only added to the layers of brilliance on display. If Braid had a residency you’d go watch them every night without question.
Wrapping up the set with a handful of non-frame & canvas tunes including two from their new split 7″, with even their new songs sounding ace.
If they somehow manage to come back to Glasgow again, you’d be a crazy fool to miss it. Our returning champion..? Always.
FIND BRAID ON FACEBOOK / TWITTER / SPOTIFY
FIND CRASH OF RHINOS ON FACEBOOK / SPOTIFY
FIND NAI HARVEST ON FACEBOOK / SPOTIFY
Nice review, wish I’d made it on time to see the start of Braid’s set.
Nice Stapleton reference at the end there aswell.
Crash of rhinos were pretty good. Not sure what band you were listening to, they did well despite the technical issues which only slowed them down at the start of the set. If you thought they were shit why did you buy their record? Oh that’s right,
they’re on a respected label!!! You’ve got the bold faced cheek to slag “scenesters” then write a tirade like this drivel; chump. those who can do, those who can’t are critics I suppose. Oh and Braid were indeed awesome, the fact you even had doubts shows your colours.