A few years ago I went to King Tuts in Glasgow to see a mates band, Luma. Honestly. In all the gigs I’ve ever seen this one is probably my favourite ever. Purely for the fact I was only expecting to enjoy the band I came to see. Too many times I’ve been to King Tuts and disappointed with ‘Volume Up To 11′ bands that have little interest in anything close to a melody.
Luma were on first that night. I had obviously seen them a few times before but was even chuffed at their performance that night. They played a brand new song, that I consider to be their best. Blue Peter Garden.
Luma – Blue Peter Garden:
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Fortune Drive
Another band played that night that blew my socks off. They were called Fortune Drive. The voice of the singer was unreal. I remember them ripping into a song I know now as ‘My Girlfriend’s an Arsonist’. It was one of they moments that I was not really concentrating on the band just drinking my pint being sociable; my head doth turn after hearing the little guy on stage absolutely fucking belting out the tunes. Been following them ever since.
Fortune Drive – My Girlfriend’s an Arsonist:
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But, the biggest surprise to me, and the subject of this here post, was a band called Blackbud. I remember being intrigued by them initially cause Ryan from Luma said something along the lines of “These guys are proper musicians.”
I don’t think it would be an understatement to describe the next few songs that went into my lugs as ‘life changing’. Imagine, if you will, being in King Tuts. The band comes on, they don’t say much, and go straight into playing this tune:
Blackbud – Cold Haroundan:
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Joe Taylor is the lead guitar of Blackbud and does all the vocals. He reminds me of Hendrix the way he plays. Effortless. Emotionally attached to every note. Eyes closed, shoulders reacting to the wail of his electric.
Joe Taylor
The other guys, Adam and Sam clearly know what they’re about too. I’ve read some amazing critical acclaim for their work. They just, and I’m sure they would admit this, lay an immaculate floor for Joe to do his stuff.
They are signed to Independiente and are now on their second album.
Their first album is immense. Every song is absolute genius, from the Stone -Roses-esc, Days Passing Away to the haunting track Alone.
Second album is more of the same. But I do get the feeling that some of the tracks were a bit forced. Highlights include Golden Girl, Left Your Arms Empty and Came Down Easy.
OK. So you get that I’m a fan. I’ve seen them every time they have been in Scotland since that night.
What really irritates me. Nay, fucks me off: Is that if you are reading this and don’t know me in person, then chances are this is the first time you have heard of these guys. 3 or 4 years I’ve been expecting them to kick off. Remember that video of the Britney’s fan crying under the covers? Well thats me right now, only I’m in despair of the coverage these guys deserve.
Sure, Zane Low had them on his show and their song ‘Heartbeat’ was Hottest Record In the World for a Week, but that ain’t good enough.
Have a watch, have a listen.
Blackbud – Came Down Easy:
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Blackbud – Heartbeat:
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Buy their albums here (iTunes Link)
