Upon entering the beautiful surroundings of Oran Mor’s upstairs auditorium I could already tell that this was going to be a special evening. After a late start to get us all seated the house lights came down and silence came as the opening trademark Sigur Rós ambient but yet piercing guitar sound, from Jónsi’s bowed guitar, came booming out the 5.1 surround sound. One thing that immediately struck me about Inni is because its a live film and the surroundings we were in it was almost (and the closest thing some of us will get to at the moment) like being at a Sigur Rós gig, but we were watching a film. This in mind as the opening submarine like noises of Svefn-g-englar you could feel the hair on the back of your neck standing up. Inni itself as a film is great, the live footage shot in black and white 16mm film makes for a really delicate effect that doesn’t take away from the intensity of the performance. Interestingly it also cuts between other footage including an early video of an early gig by the band performing on a tiny stage and interviews with the band (which would have been nice if there was a little more of). Over-all its a both a visual and audible treat and is definitely worth a look after its release on Monday.
After that delightful feast there was more to follow though, some much needed musical ones. Two live performances were to be held afterwards. One by an artist i hadn’t came across before theapplesofenergy and Scott Hutchinson of Frightened Rabbit doing a solo set. Giving that the unique venue alone would have made for a good gig this was gong to be interesting. First of all we had theapplesofenergy, armed with a loop pedal and vast myriad of pedals and instruments on the stage, ranging from mandolin to various electric guitars and even a glockenspiel. The outcome of which was an ambient soundscape of loops upon loops and different instruments to create an interesting sound scape. Unfortunately as one punter pointed out we had just sat through a film of a brilliant ambient band so the reaction was a pleasant one but not ecstatic one. I would give him another chance if it was another evening and a different situation.
Next though was what I’d imagine was the deal-clincher for many attendees. A solo set from Scott of (one of my favorite Scottish acts) Frightened Rabbit. After a quick tune up Scott burst into My Backwards Walk to a somewhat more quiet audience than a normal gig but very appreciative all the same. Some good natured heckles including “Play a folk song!” lead on to the new tribute to Scottish weather Scottish Winds. After openly explaining he didn’t have a setlist and an interesting story to do with going to see Sigur Rós at the Barrowlands and shaving oneself, Scott managed to win the crowd over, even playing a completely new song. A rare treat was to get a completely unplugged version of fan favorite Poke, prompting many “shhh’s” and “shut ups” within the audience. Followed by tribute to the nature of one night stands Keep Yourself Warm to finish; it was a great end to what had been quite a special evening.
4/5 A brilliant evening!
The Practice Room 