Mystery Juice: A Blues Explosion

I often wonder: if there is a God, does he have a Mystery Juice tattoo? We may never know, but we can comfortably say that men, women and children the world over can sleep at night safe in the knowledge that Mystery Juice walk the earth. And when I say walk I really mean float a few inches above while us mere mortals clumsily stumble along, dragging our feet through chewing gum and phlegm.

We first came across Mystery Juice in 2006 when we supported them in Henry’s Cellar Bar, in Edinburgh where they’re based. I was quite happy with my lot – it was a good gig, we played well, were tight and loud and generally let rip on a small sweaty stage. Life was good.

Then life just got better. 10.30pm arrived and we entered rock o’clock.

Four men stride on stage, looking sharp and effortlessly cool. I thought 'okay you’ve got my attenti…' Kaboom, and we’re off. The next 40 minutes shake, rattle, grind, groove – that’s right they groove, which as a rule of thumb Scottish bands usually shouldn’t – their set away. A feeling of elation, awe and jealousy floods my brain and body as this menacing gang of awsomeness power their way through an incredible mix of rock'n'roll, r'n'b, funk and rockabilly, driving the crowd mental (obviously they were warmed up by us. Ahem!).

This is how gigs should be – and every time I see them it is. And don’t think I’m over-egging this. It must surely be impossible to go to a Mystery Juice gig and last a couple of their songs without finding yourself dancing, or at least wanting to dance at some point – and at that juncture, said dilemma is then in your hands.

So let’s recap: what’s so good about them? To put it plainly: they’re an amazing band, playing some of the most amazing music you will ever hear. They're a band giving one of the best live performances you will ever see. And they look amazing into the bargain. All this on our own doorstep in Auld Reekie.

Tim the singer also plays distorted, wah-wah, freakout violin solos. I repeat – distorted, wah-wah, freakout violin solos. Freakin amazing!

Oh and have I mentioned that they often play gigs in the former Soviet Union, where people fire machine guns in the air in celebration of their very presence? And you know, even in my peace-lov ing mind, that sounds like the perfect way to celebrate their sound.