Apache Darling @ King Tut's, 20 January
If there’s a unifying theme linking the four acts primed and ready to do their thing on the King Tut’s stage tonight, it’s a common thread that’s not readily apparent. Instead, tonight’s portion of the venue’s January-long New Year Revolution festival runs the gamut from psych rock to electronic to power balladry – a democratic offering of something for everyone, it seems.
The Claramassa are first up and despite their six strong presence and some animated playing from the group’s lead guitarist, the Glaswegian group’s experimental pop-rock falters as they strive for vocal harmonies beyond their reach. Acrylic fare better – their art school rock muscle and smooth vocal delivery from lion-maned frontman Andreas Christodoulidis draws groups of curious punters up the stairs. They deal in moody, slow-paced psychedelia, lulling the crowd into a comfortable reverie before punctuating their set with an inspired impromptu jam – mark this five piece a guitar group to keep your eye on.
A whip-snap 180 degree turn in direction sees Wuh Oh doing duty on the decks and King Tut’s transforming into a dance floor. The guitar-centric atmosphere dissipates as young native producer Peter Ferguson steers the night into party mode with his sample-heavy, skittering beats. It’s spirited hands in the air stuff, endearing in its eclecticism, and does the job of keeping energy levels high before act number four, Apache Darling, finally emerge for their headline slot.
There’s no doubt Stefanie Lawrence is in possession of a formidable voice, but despite the dramatic presence of smoke and synths, the T in The Park alumni charge in with a force that feels slightly strained. It’s an A for enthusiasm, but there’s a sense that this is a band still working out who they want to be – an ill-advised cover of I Drove All Night does little to separate the duo from karaoke territory. We leave with an odd sense of overall incohesion, but with a glimpse of promise nonetheless.