Amnesty International Benefit Gig, Glasgow Cathouse (10th January)

Review by Julie Khan

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL BENEFIT GIG

Daedalian, Pencilhead, Blargh and Bullion
10th January 2003 Glasgow Cathouse

Who would’ve thought so much quality live music could be crammed into the night before 10pm? With a prompt start (keeping the crowd happy) Bullion demonstrated their old school politico-punk nature with one of my personal faves, ‘Sailor Song’ (a hilarious little tune in the vain of Stiff Little Fingers about the problems with prejudices). Definitely getting the crowd moving, they swept through a rather impressive collection of songs (ska, hardcore and old school alike), including a much improved version of one of their better-known tracks, ‘Insomnia’. Also showing us that they definitely know their punk from their prep, they did a pretty decent cover of Bad Religion’s ‘21st Century Digital Boy’. One of the highlights of the performance was surely frontman Mick’s ventures close to/into the crowd during the performances of Green Day’s ‘Basket Case’ and closing track (dedicated to one of their punk rock idols, Joe Strummer) ‘Brohymn’.

Bullion have definitely made their mark since I last saw them in June, performing with more confidence, more energy and more depth in their music. All in all, their potential noticed 6 months ago has definitely been immersed into their lyrics, music and stage presence.

Second up was a band pretty new to the most of the crowd. The all female angst-punk quartet, known as Blargh, added to the upbeat pace already set out by Bullion. Despite their lack of recognition amongst the crowd beforehand, they’ve definitely shown their potential and capability in live music (and u cant forget their name, just try saying it out loud…and as for that cover of the gummy bars theme tune, you cant forget that either.)

Next up were a pretty well known band, taking the music up a level with a more hardcore set of songs to definitely get the pit moving. A few reckoning their music was lacking in the variety department, Pencilhead still conjured up some pretty hard-hitting sounds, certainly making their presence known.

To top it all off the headliners, Daedalian, have yet to disappoint. Choosing a more atypical order of songs, they oozed energy and vibrancy right to the end, without overdoing the enthusiasm. Taking us through the Daedalian originals of ‘Rigor Mortis’ and ‘Deconform’ which demand attention, they again showed us their more intimate, melodic side through their performance of ‘Falling Away’. Introducing some of us to their new material, Daedalian have proved they’re no band of the past, with songs such as ‘Breakdown Burnout’ and ‘Homewreck’, both showing quality and depth in the music as well as the lyrics.

To start off your Friday night, live music from four local bands doesn’t get much better than this. ‘Improved and impressive’ is what I’d deem Bullion to have displayed, Pencilhead definitely going down as the hardcore kings of the night, Blargh showing us rarity as well as potential, and Daedalian demonstrating the energy, angst, melody and aggression we long to see in today’s upcoming bands. All in all, there’s nothing you can really complain about the night (except that there should be one with this calibre of music quality more often)…and to think it was all for charity, that’s just touching! *sheds a tear*