DEAD BEET RECORDS got their new music showcase off to a flying start last night with excellent sets from Declan Welsh, Sway and Rascalton.
The fortnightly event ‘New Breed’ has been introduced at the Priory Bar on Sauchiehall Street as a way of introducing new local acts to the music scene and providing them with a new platform through which to showcase their material. Attracting a healthy crowd for such a new event, the late night attraction kicks off at around midnight, giving gig-goers a chance to extend their evening or simply providing an alternative to the many busy student nights on offer down the rest of the street.
First up is a spoken word performance from the frontman of the newly minted Declan Welsh and the Decadent West. Known for his poetic skill and sardonic wit, it is truly special to see this channelled through another creative form without the backing of his band. Captivating in his delivery with an expert control of rhythm and pace, Welsh is able to hush the room with his carefully crafted poems; subjects ranging from his experience in Palestine to a moving tribute to the late Gary Watson to a sneer at lad culture and finally getting chucked out of Bamboo nightclub. Even at their most moving, there are flecks of that Glaswegianan humour and sarcasm. The question does remain however; who else has been chucked out of Bamboo and written a poem about it?
Following this comes a bright set from the young indie rockers Sway. At times sharing lead vocal duties, they exude a vibrant infectious energy through their poppy sensibilities, prominent lead guitar lines and melodic chord progressions. Taking influence from a number of indie bands, they make for a promising prospect, with a headline show at King Tut’s coming up on 4th November.
Headlining the night are indie rockers Rascalton; a band who were thrust upon our consciousness when they were chosen as winners of the Tenement Trail competition to open the multi-venue festival at The Priory three weeks ago. Capturing the kind of youthful punk energy that is reminiscent of early Palma Violets along with a punchy skill for catchy songwriting, it is shows like this that will further strengthen the band and continue to put them on the map as one of Glasgow’s most exciting prospects.
It’s a brilliant launch for ‘New Breed’ which will hopefully go from strength to strength in the coming months and enable hordes of new artists to grace its stage.
