Goldbloom , 3rd January '03 @ 13th Note Cafe, Glasgow

Review by Magumba

Emerging, by their own admission, from " 5 months of nothingness ". Goldbloom's return to the fold was a startling and at times cathartic experience. Although a late substitution for sick-bed detainees, The Dyads, Dan and the lads were able and at times truly remarkable support for the also excellent Conestone. My trepidation may not have matched that of the band, but i could not help fear what would happen in front of this mostly partisan crowd of Conestone parents and drinking buddies. I need not have worried. After a self-effacing mumbling of " Hi! Were Goldbloom " , the band drove into ' Another Typical Love Song '. This is a SONG! Please excuse my simplicity but give me time to explain. It is an oxymoronic song : heavy yet tender and dark but light. A startling fusion / rivalry of vocal and guitar , at times reminiscent of The Fall , driven on by a rumbling, rhythmic dirge. An opener and a show stopper all in one. Full of suprises for this virgin audience the band performed two new songs , the appropriate ' Change Of Scenery ' and ' Media ' , which had our unsuspecting gathering nodding acceptance in this intimate little venue. In retrospect those five months have not been wasted if this is the quality of material that the band come up with when they take a breather. Displaying a playful side ' Surfin' USA ' was battered out shamelessly, again displaying excellent work on four strings and bouncing vocal stylings. ' The Thrill & the Fear ' again opened up that vurnerable, tender touch. Without shame, laid bare, a great voice and emotive lyrics. When Goldbloom came to play the penultimate ' This Could Last Forever ' i truly wished it could. Great opening guitar work and a general feel of desperation woven through the lyrics. This is an uplifting number that shows empathy. This song puts its arms round you and tells you that " Everything is gonna be alright ". On reluctantly to the last song in the set , ' Rockgruppe '. A real sting in the tail. Funny , shoulder shrugging and defiant. An audio iron fist in a velvet glove. The vocal is spat, then retracted. This boy has tricks up his singing sleeve. The band now not caring, bouncing and enjoying it while they can. All thrashing their particular throats, skins and strings. Driving it on home, thankyou and goodnight!