VENUE : LIVINGSTON FOOTBALL CLUB
DATE : 18TH MARCH 2011
A night featuring young mostly local Artists, well received by an enthusiastic audience. The night got under way with an acoustic set by Euan Taylor who was unfortunately drowned out by screaming feedback or no vocals. Sound is by far the most difficult part of such an evening and regrettably the young team had a lot to learn, and could look into compression and vocal processing techniques before their next outing. That said, they managed to get the underpowered PA System under some control for Euan's final song.
A slightly nervy performance but clearly Euan has good vocals and the 12 string was used to good effect.
Then followed local lads and lassie, Constant Static, who immediately impressed with a good balanced sound from keyboard, bass and guitar, with a great drummer (Alex) hammering out the beats. Again, their songs would have sounded so much better with legible vocals, from a fearless lead vox. Get the PA right next time guys!
A good competent performance all round, with tight well rehearsed breaks.
The Celestions followed with a smoother indie sound, and assured lead vox. Unfortunately again the vox were too quiet and as soon as they were turned upward, so the feedback screamed. I noticed radio mikes were in use, although I couldn't make out what they were. They would have to have been top of the range to have helped eliminate unwanted sounds, but again - compression and frequency killing!
A good set by Celestions.
As the Celestions left the stage, crowd chants began for the ever popular Talisman F*****G Rise.
I saw these guys about 8 months ago, and thought that they were enthusiastic, obviously loving playing as a band, but still a bit raw and unrehearsed. This time however, although I am told that they haven't played many gigs since, they must have put in some practice time, as they are really starting to look like good performers.I regret that I do not know their names, but their lead vox has now a powerful stage presence, and is pleasantly reactive and smart to audience banter between songs.
Although I don't personally like metal, or even the heaviest of rock, I do like these guys. And before anyone thinks it, it has nothing to do with the removal of T Shirts in mid performance, or the re-appearance again of day glow body paints, on faces arms, and torsos. I think it is just the honesty of trying very hard to perform to as high a standard as they can, and entertain the audience. Yes there were slips and errors, all minor, but I really see no need for the strip show.I think these guys are all decent musicians, who work well together, and continued hard work will see them emerge as one of Livingston's new young talents. I will keep your contact guys and should I promote another Gig in Livingston later in the year, expect a call.
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EUAN TAYLOR
CONSTANT STATIC
    THE CELESTIONS   |      |
Ali from Talisman, captured during strobe lighting - weird eh? Not Ali... the photo...although....na...
