Chicago six-piece Whitney play a sell out show at The Art School, marking their Scottish debut.
Saturday's cold Glaswegian evening saw stars align in the form of the pure cinematic experience that was tonight's line-up.
Firstly, we have sole support of the night; Julia Jacklin, the Australian singer-songwriter may be backed by a three-piece band but equipped with a guitar and a crushingly mesmerizing vocal and this stage remains entirely in her hands, be stilling the hearts of an already full crowd. The simplicity in a string of enticing ballads, warmth of some backlights and a sea of swaying adorers and you have the perfect combination. Performing tracks from her newly released debut "Don't Let the Kids Win" both as a band and entirely acoustic, the ease of her ability and charm on stage is alarming and capable of disarming the emotions of onlookers with her voice alone. She departed half an hour and many songs later, leaving the title track of her album as a parting gift. Acoustic and raw, leaving a silenced crowd of otherwise boisterous Glaswegians numb.
Slightly later than scheduled, Whitney took to the stage despite sound issues and the lethargy that may have ensued from that. The irony of a band formed from the remains of a previous band break-up, playing out a record besotted with the idea of collapsed relationships and unrequited love to convey such displaced, raw melancholy and hope is a class of performance that places Whitney above many others.
They are simply timeless in a way that doesn't seem overcomplicated or try hard. A strong array of brass and string instruments complete with a wash of youthful nostalgia inducing lyrics teamed with their production which is theatrical in nature, including instrumental interludes opening and closing their set as well as formal introductions of each member and context behind the meaning of each song. Their idiosyncrasies and on-stage interaction adds to their charm not only as individual musicians but as a collective.
The setlist included a strong majority of their debut record released at the start of the Summer which has proved itself well in transitioning to this bittersweet time of year, with covers of both Bob Dylan and NRBQ as welcomed additions. With a consistent touring schedule for what seems like the entirety of 2016 with no real break, their ability to carry a show is undisputed and finessed with more practice than some artists get in their entire career.
A three track encore saw the set conclude with greatest hit "No Woman" resulting in the drowning out of on-stage vocals to be replaced entirely with the screaming echoes of a crowd singing back every word. Overall, a gig that from beginning to end took you on a journey to a brighter, rose-tinted time, exactly what this band does best.
This tour is being carried on throughout the rest of the UK, Europe and Australia into the new year.
The setlist included a strong majority of their debut record released at the start of the Summer which has proved itself well in transitioning to this bittersweet time of year, with covers of both Bob Dylan and NRBQ as welcomed additions. With a consistent touring schedule for what seems like the entirety of 2016 with no real break, their ability to carry a show is undisputed and finessed with more practice than some artists get in their entire career.
A three track encore saw the set conclude with greatest hit "No Woman" resulting in the drowning out of on-stage vocals to be replaced entirely with the screaming echoes of a crowd singing back every word. Overall, a gig that from beginning to end took you on a journey to a brighter, rose-tinted time, exactly what this band does best.
This tour is being carried on throughout the rest of the UK, Europe and Australia into the new year.
Post Comment
Post a Comment