Broken Records at Queens Hall: Review

This was always going to be something very special. Putting the majestic Broken Records in the grand, atmospheric surroundings of the Queens Hall made for the most anticipated show of a strong Edge festival line-up. Happily, they did not disappoint.

With the successful release of debut album Until the Earth Begins to Part in June, out on legendary indie label 4ad (who have previously brought the world The Pixies and the Throwing Muses among many others), there is a general feeling among the audience that this might be the last time we see them around here for some time: the highly-tipped group are preparing for appearances at Reading and Leeds, as well as a lengthy European tour. While perhaps the occasion overcomes the crowd—whose reaction is often surprisingly muted and aloof—the seven-piece band more than rise to the occasion with another flawless display.

Delivering another typically lively performance of the kind from which they earned their cult reputation, and following a very competent set by openers My Latest Novel (another of the growing number of multi-instrumental bands to have emerged in recent years) Broken Records once more cement their reputation as Scotland’s finest live act. Opening song ‘Nearly Home’ makes for an exuberant start. Interestingly, though, it’s the calmer songs that work best tonight, again perhaps due to an audience again more keen to admire quietly than dance in the church-like Queens Hall. It doesn’t take long, however, before they are tearing through already classic songs such as ‘If Eilert Løvborg Wrote A Song, It Would Sound Like This’ and ‘If The News Makes You Sad Don’t Watch It,’ showcasing their phenomenal musicality with overpowering energy and emotion.

Of course it is inevitable that a Broken Records gig review should raise comparisons to the similarly spectacular live show of Arcade Fire. The comparison is obviously lazy; but with music is as original and exciting as this, the truth is that peers are few and far between. Broken Records will more than deserve all the plaudits and success they are surely about to receive. Let’s just hope they come back soon.