Empire! Empire! & The Reptilian - 13th Note, Glasgow - 7th November 2012 (Live Review)
Monday, 12 November 2012
Written by Jonny Rimmer
To throw five bands on one bill is always a fairly ambitious move, but to start said show at around half eight is preposterous. With respect to the organisers of this DIY 13th Note show, who undoubtedly deserve credit for their efforts, they need to sharpen their timekeeping. You can particularly understand my apprehension when the last train home is at quarter to twelve! Whatever the intention was, journalists are always going to struggle to gage how good a band was when they're on and off in a blink of an eye, even if several of the bands in question are emo/hardcore.
Local trio The Sinking Feeling are promising, if still a bit undeveloped, and inevitably finish their slot just as I am beginning to enjoy them. Their song writing is derivative of plenty that has come before - with such a strong 90s emo imprint, they might as well be American – but they are perform as a passionate unit that are held together tightly by a dynamic drummer. The Great Albatross are a lot more restrained by contrast and their cathartic build ups and emphasised vocal clarity gives them a quality that is not miles off Frightened Rabbit's emotional roots-inflected sound.
You could argue that it is not Empire! Empire!, but My Castle, Your Castle that command the biggest crowd of the night. This is technically their last show, so this is perhaps to be expected, and their performance is ablaze with enthusiasm (and a fair bit of humour). Barring one well-received and extensive bout of gang vocals, which is the most electrifying moment of the night, My Castle's tangential musical approach can come across as irking. They have a strong melodic framework, but their best ideas are overstated and then abandoned (even for an screamo/skramz/chaotic hardcore/what-have-you band...). Oddly enough, the two headliners prove to be the biggest disappointments of the night. Considering the intense screamo that they impart, The Reptilian fail to warm the blood (I know, poor reptile pun). Their capricious math rock style isn't as absorbing as it could be; there's simply nothing to hook onto.
Meanwhile, Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate) prove to be long-winded in both senses of the word. Considering their reputation on the scene, it is perhaps surprising that they too are only given the standard half hour slot. However, they simply don't use what time they have as they plod through “rare 7 inch singles”, a yet to be released song with a never-ending intro and weaker cuts from their solid debut What It Takes to Move Forward. The other glaring problem appears to be the vocalist: he's off-key, out of tune and much too loud. This is a shame considering Empire, with their their arpeggiated guitar twinkle and well structured songs, are still the most musically accomplished act on the bill. Decision making and use of time lets them down greatly though; hopefully they'll be back soon with a more substantial performance.
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