Gig Review - Beerjacket @ King Tut's Wah Wah Hut

New Year in Glasgow can only mean one thing; King Tut's Wah Wah Hut's New Year Revolution.  And staying true to the old saying, 'save the best 'till last' last Wednesday 18th January was a stormer of a line up.  Headlining was yer man up above, Beerjacket, but before Peter Kelly took the stage, there was a trio of support to whet any appetite.

Before we head up the King Tut's stairs, adorned with names of those who have 'made it' post playing here, a special mention should go to Burning Cafe, who kept us entertained in the bar beforehand.  Two guys, one girl.  One guitar, one ukulele and one mandolin.  With it being their first gig in Glasgow they made a fair attempt at playing to the large crowd gathered for the main event.  Plenty of songs with a grunge-y sound and elements of contemporary folk meant they were a pleasant enough entree.

It normally takes a lot to drag me away from a bar.  But place a cake stand next to said bar, and your talking nigh on impossible.  One thing proven to work is Julia And The Doogans taking to the stage.  Kicking off with the mysterious and haunting 'Diamonds', Julia could not have been more laid back with her onstage presence.  Friendly and engaging chat is a sure fire way to engage a crowd, and having the good to back it up is paramount.  Next track 'Borderline' was a little more poppy, and following that we had a taste of the new material which should be released in March.  For me the backing band of flute, cello and keyboard compliments Julia's voice well, and closing track 'Down The Line' was a highlight of the night.

Bursting onto the stage like an Energizer Bunny on speed comes Paisley's own Michael Cassidy.  Barely pausing for breath, slipping in a hearty and excited 'hello', Michael rattles through the first four tracks including 'My Electric Heart', and the stunning 'Montpellier' which showcases Michael's voice very well.  He's got an EP on sale at the bar, and taken from that EP is 'Till You', which serves to bring the tempo down a notch.  It's a wonderful track and you can read my review of the full EP here.  After a slight bit of jiggery pokery, a huge cheer goes up when the show gets on the road again with the rather topical 'Battleships', which is more upbeat than the preceding tracks.  Michael's aptitude for on stage chat somewhat precedes him, and he's again on form tonight, quipping that as a Paisley lad there's no chance he'll be buying the drinks tonight!  Newer track 'Dancing At The Devil's Door' has the hint of occult about it, slightly creepy and Robert Johnson-esqe.  A final plug goes out for the EP, and set closer is the now well known and well received 'Everybody's Scared'.

It's now the turn of Coat Hooks to entertain us with their merry band of folk-rock.  Led by Andrew Lindsay, their atmospheric sound fills the corners of King Tut's well.  Lindsay's voice is gruffer and rougher, and the music has elements of traditional Scottish sounds throughout.  The band have amassed a large following to bring with them, and that crowd are well up for it.  Playing a mixture of songs new and old, there's rousing moments of 'ooh ooh's', but by far the best song is saved for last.  Conjuring up images of the Scottish highlands there is something altogether homely about Coat Hook's music.  The crowd shout for more, but alas time is tight.

Anticipation can sometimes lead to disappointment, take X-Men 3 for example, but luckily tonight was no such case. I've never seen Beerjacket live before, so I was eagerly looking forward to tonight's headline act. Like our mutant friends in Charles Xavier's School For Mutants, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Beerjacket's, a.k.a. Peter Kelly, special power was an extra finger on each hand.  His guitar playing is inspired and was clear for all to see on the opening track of the set, 'Drum'.  Defending his position as Scotland's premier singer songwriter, Beerjacket was truly on form tonight, playing a multitude of hits from his latest work 'The White Feather Trail', including next track 'Cold Roses'.  With the crowd enthralled Beerjacket takes a moment to reflect on the possibility that maybe, just maybe, people actually like his music after all.  With songs such as the foot stomping 'Cave', it's not hard to see why.  Beerjacket's style jars between the intricate guitar work, reminiscent of RM Hubbert, and harsh brash moments.  It's all finely done though, as the crowd are hanging on every note.  One suspects you would hear the tiniest noise such is the level of respect given to the man on stage.  We are treated to a special guest appearance from Louise Connell, a.k.a. Reverieme who brings her delicate vocals to three tracks including the brilliant 'Eggshells'.  Bringing to an end a thoroughly enjoyable set was the ukulele powered 'Poor Captain Of The Soul', during which one dared not breath and personal favourite of mine 'Barricades'.  This was the first time I've seen Beerjacket live.  It won't be the last.