Slaphappy, 1st April '03 @ 13th Note, Glasgow

Review by Magumba

I stood stoically at the bar. I ordered Stella. They had it. I was proud. Bounding up to me was the sublime shape of Slaphappy's drummer Rye. Our only previous meeting had been a messy, drunken affair in the Cathouse. ' Could things go shit here? ' I thought. To my delight they did not. Young Rye presented me with a copy of Slaphappy's new CD. I eagarly anticipated a listen to said disc but first the live performance! Pranging into exsistance Slaphappy's return to Glasgow got on the rails big style. A hurling, spouting whirlwind of opening chords and spat vocals. I stepped back. Again and again suprised! With only MP3s as my guide i was blown away with Cal's energy, dexterity and power as a front man. This was a huge gig. Limited only by a small room. I am a huge fan of this diminutive venue but a lingering crowd and lack of space did the band no favours. Thats not to cast any clouds on there ability. This was a gig and a half! The use of harmony in the show was amazing. For such an aggressive band with such obvious vitality they show incredible attention to detail in their live show. Davey's backing vocal is so tight to Cal's that they could sing with one voice. Pounding drums and bass make you feel that rummaging sensation in your stomach. Its a searching, enthusiastic sound that the band project. If the song is dark its edged with humour. This is a realistic sound. Tinged with regret, friendly jibes and undoubted drunkeness. It can only be said that the west of Scotland is missing out on Slaphappy. This was as an assured performance as i could have expected from any one of there peers or indeed any one of there supposed ' betters '. Slaphappy project a sense of positivity, frivolity and broken grace to there brand of music. I eagerly anticipate there return to these parts. An amazing moment missed by many. Magumba's advice is : Don't miss them again!!!