So here we are at Edinburgh’s The Hive, given it is in that same street as my home from home, Bannermans, I’ve never been in the place and what a hidden wee gem it is too.
We are here to catch up with The SoapGirls for the second time this year who never disappoint live or on album, but first up a bunch of young Edinburgh lads called KilgrVston. Billed on their Facebook page as a pop/rock band, I would say that is true after watching their catchy well-played set. The band are Jack Parrado on guitar/vocals, Glen Allan on drums, Jack Smith on bass, Joshua Clark on guitar/vocals and Taylor Clark vocals/keyboards. The band all played well and I was really impressed with Joshua on guitar, boy, he can play. The band interacted well on stage and were having a good time, they obviously had a few friends and family in the audience. I really liked their “Behind the Noise” track on the Elements EP with its fabulous guitar work. The band are not my normal cup of tea, but my foot was tapping and the head nodding so they must be okay and I really enjoyed their set. One to watch out for, I think.
The main event now as Sam, Noemie and Camille of The SoapGirls wander onto the stage. Having last seen the band earlier this year, literally down the road at Bannermans, I knew I was going to have a great time and they did not disappoint. Opening with “Ex-Girlfriend” from their fabulous new album, Elephant in The Room, which always reminds me of a punked-up Bangles track for some reason with its upbeat music and the way the girls sing together. We get a bit more punky with “Jonny Rotten” from the Society’s Rejects album, before the album title track keeps the vibe going. With the majority of the gig setlist coming from Elephant in the Room and Society’s Rejects albums, we have a fine fun bouncy night with the likes of “One Way Street” which is one of my favourites and a real bouncer. Try to stay still during it, I dare you, it is a hook-laden gem.
We head through “Bitter”, “White Flag” and “Chains” followed by the mental “My Development”. I love the way these two albums are so different as we get some “Original Sin” and the crunchy “Hate Breeds”. The girls feed off each other with good humoured banter and the audience. They always have fun and do not care what you think of them and rightly so. We have a number of stories tonight as usual and Camille is such an advocate of truly being yourself and will always tell you to take no crap and just be who you want to be. The stories are funny on and off with Noemie telling a tale of the sleeping bag sized foreskin, you had to be here for that one and I could never do it justice in the review. The band has such a pop/punk swagger that very few bands have these days and are all the better for it. From their stage apparel, or lack of it in some cases, to the music which is just fantastic and it keeps you bouncing all night long with Noemie on guitar/vocals, Camille on bass/vocals and young Sam up the back keeping the rhythm going.
The girls are all over the stage tonight and it was nice to see Noemie out front and bouncing more than last time, though she will never keep up with the nutter that is her sister Camille. How she has not thrown her back out is beyond me. We have a few more tracks with the likes of the grungy “Hate Breeds”, “Drown” and “Real” before we have some audience participation for the track “Bad Bitch” which is always a laugh with the two guys from the crowd half-stripped with masks on including a horse’s head dancing away to the song. “Play with Fire” takes us out and the end of a great fun night packed with bouncy well written songs.
The girls are always great to see live and if you get the chance go along as you will not be disappointed. I’ve seen the band three times now and they just get better every time.
Photos by Gary Cooper Photography
The SoapGirls: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | youtube
KilgrVston: facebook
Well said, it was a great gig!
Well said, it was a great show.