GOG’s Gigs (Week Beginning 27/01/14)

Now 17 years into their career it’s safe to safe that Mogwai (Tuesday at the Royal Concert Hall) are elder statesmen of the post-rock scene. While their latest album Rave Tapes has received mixed to negative reviews, there’s a certain perception, particularly here in Glasgow, that the band can do no wrong. As such, whenever the band make an appearance on home ground they are typically received by a rapturous audience. While technically more of a folk act, SAY award nominees Lau (Wednesday, City Halls) tread similar sonic ground to Mogwai in their approach to lengthy instrumental works. They also share the fact the each bands’ best work has recently been in the field of soundtracks.

The danger of instrumental music like Mogwai’s or Lau’s is that it can often seem formless and wandering. Certainly that’s been my problem with both bands of late. Matched to images such as those of French zombie show Les Revenants or Ruth Paxton’s short film Nevada, however, and both bands come to unexpected life. While this week’s shows lack such visual accompaniments, both bands retain avid and dedicated fan bases, so expect a rapturous atmosphere which might hopefully propel both bands to greatness

Both shows are part of the ongoing Celtic Connections festival which again dominates the week’s musical proceeding with a vast range of interesting and worthwhile gigs. However the focus on folk leaves little room for those among you who might lean towards the heavier end of the spectrum. Fear not, however, my metal loving friends, because Kylesa (Saturday, Ivory Blacks) descend on Glasgow on Saturday to deliver up their unique blend of psychedelic sludge. Solving the conundrum of how make a band sound heavier by incorporating not one, but two drummers, Kylesa have been on a winning streak recently between 2010’s excellent Spiral Shadow and last year’s Ultraviolet. Even their From The Vaults compilation of unreleased tracks, covers and alternate takes was solid gold. Well worth checking out then…

That same night the Classic Grand plays host to The Clutha Benefit All-dayer. In addition to 18 bands across 2 stages, the event will also feature raffles, with prizes presented by Still Game’s Sanjeev Kohli and Gavin Mitchell. The event has been organised entirely by the Glasgow music community with assistance from local businesses and all proceeds will go to charities aiding those affected by the Clutha helicopter crash. Amongst the bands performing are: BMX Bandits, St Deluxe, The John Carmichael Ceilidh Band, Dirty Diamond & The Hunslinger, Jiezuberband, Fox Kill Fox, Lenzie Moss, Jeye T, Anne Gomez, Trongate Rum Riots, Simon Atkinson & The Foundrymans, Apprentice, Belyur, Stacy Paris, Mod Life Crises, Pariah Soul, with more to be announced.

Full Glasgow Gig Listings

Who are you going to see this week? Are there any must-sees which haven’t made it onto our listings? Let us know in the comments below!

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