Awkward Family Portraits @ Sneaky Pete's, Edinburgh, 30 Jan

Sneaky Pete’s take a step back in time this evening with Awkward Family Portraits, an old time Rockabilly/Americana band, making the trip across from Glasgow to headline tonight as part of Independent Venue Week.

Opening act Jack Hinks and Fiona Liddell provide a captivating blend of strings and acoustic guitar before Awkward Family Portraits take to the stage, looking slick in outfits that match their vintage sound. Heavy double bass resonates as the band transport the audience back in time; it almost feels as if we're part of a secret 1920s prohibition party. The group's songs are soaked with a vintage feel, from Americana roots to more skiffle-sounding songs, such as Can’t Control Cupid, a particularly toe-tapping tune from 2019’s Everything We’ve Done Up Until Now Except What We’ve Done Since. 

Awkward Family Portraits' sound translates better to a live environment than on record, filling the room with tight grooves backed up with a similarly slick stage presence. The set tonight is a fair mix of original songs with the occasional cover thrown in for good measure. Don’t Drink Whisky It’s Risky is the night's standout, a catchy and fast-paced bop about the perils of drinking too much liquor. Finishing the evening with Louis Prima’s Just a Gigalo before an encore of Jerry Lee Lewis’ Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On, Awkward Family Portraits leave tonight's crowd entertained with hips swaying and feet tapping.