Limbo @ The Voodoo Rooms, 26 Mar

Article by Nick Mitchell | 02 Apr 2009

As gig nights go, this one is an unusually civilised affair. Set amidst the plush curtained walls and twinkling lights of the Voodoo Rooms, the music on offer turns out to be suitably demure and beguiling. First up are Endor (***), a Glasgow act who, despite their youth, are seasoned veterans of the Scottish indie scene. Coming across like Frightened Rabbit with added emo, they sometimes stray into cringingly earnest waters, but swim to safety with fine musicianship and endearing tunes.

The same can be said for The Little Kicks (****), an Aberdeen quartet who inject some energy into the night by upping the pace while keeping their focus on classic pop hooks. Their radio-friendly style sounds like a more innocent take on The Strokes on One More Time, or a more pensive Franz Ferdinand on We Came Alive, proving that old fashioned guitar pop is alive and well.

With all that musical sweetness behind us, Come on Gang! (****) step up to add some edge to proceedings. But despite their post-punk guitar clattering, singer/drummer Sarah Tanat Jones ensures it doesn’t all get too jarring with her florid, Joni Mitchell-style vocals. It’s an intriguing contrast, one that makes for a fitting finale to this cosily enjoyable night.

www.myspace.com/endor

www.myspace.com/thelittlekicks

www.myspace.com/comeongangmusic

http://black-spring.com/limbo