By Daffs (TwoDaff)

Inverness can be a strange place when it comes to gigs, in that it has a couple of small venues holding around 80 people and also the larger Ironworks, which unfortunately is set to close next year in favour of yet another hotel. The two main live grass roots music venues are The Tooth and Claw and the location for last nights gig Mad Hatters. Mad Hatters is part of the traditional music venue Hootenanny’s and is situated upstairs.

Gigs are however, few and far between, music seems to stop at the Central belt with few bands venturing further North. Its also difficult for bands and fans alike to travel further afield. A shame really as I think that, with decent advertising/promotion the music scene here could take off. It is, Afterall the Highland capital City. The North has a plethora of artists and many find themselves going undiscovered and with the Scottish music scene on fire at the moment its time these venues were utilised. Take last night for instance…

The Capollos are established in their City of Aberdeen, selling out venues across the city, so when it was announced they were playing at Mad Hatters my tickets were snapped up immediately. Upon arrival I bumped into members of the opening act White Lines, another band from Aberdeen. Having just played to a sold-out gig at café Drummond in Aberdeen they were ecstatic to be playing further afield and, having supported The Capollos previously informed me we were in for a blinding night.

Now, I have to admit I hadn’t heard of this band before, I had listened to a few tracks prior to the gig and was looking forward to hearing what they had to offer. They did not disappoint. Opening with ‘Teenage King’ it was clear from the off these guys are accomplished, powerful and anthemic, the energy they created really set the night up. They are packed with melodic guitar riffs, with punchy anthemic choruses. The vocals are powerful, a fantastic voice. ‘Wishing Well’ and ‘Tidal Wave’ were glorious before finishing with the chiming ‘Speed Limits’. One’s to watch in my opinion.

“Powerful and anthemic”

Next up, and a gear change was local Inverness band Lucille. This really caught my attention, not too many bands around in Inverness. Described as a dark, anthemic power pop band, they exploded on stage, vocalist Marc was like a firecracker, great crowd interaction, confident and full of energy. This was replicated in their set. Raucous, riotous, anarchic and loud. They really turned the heat up. Each song was 100mph. ‘Nothing Comes For Free’ and ‘Rise’ really lit a fuse and turned the levels in the venue up notch with Frenzied rhythm and bass, pummelling drum barrages and scorching solos Impressive.

“Raucous, riotous, anarchic and loud”

White Lines and Lucille have new releases coming soon so watch this space…

And so, we come to The Capollos, I managed to have a quick chat with them before their set, what a great bunch of lads, honest, approachable and were clearly buzzing to be playing in Inverness. We had a brief chat about the music scene in Scotland, in particular here in the North, it was clear that the importance of grass roots venues were important for up-and-coming bands to get their voices heard and that proper promotion was key in attracting bands and gig goers alike especially in places like Inverness.

“The importance of grass roots venues”

Opening with the euphoric ‘Addiction’, the scene was set for what was to become an anthemic set, power packed and full of energy. Front man Kyle, may seem quiet and unassuming offstage but when the amps and mics are cranked up his vocal and stage presence is something else. An air of coolness and swagger. ‘What are these Kisses’ was followed with a new track ‘Midnight Revelation’ set to be released shortly. Then came what for me was the song of the night ‘Solitude’. A change of pace and packed full of emotive lyrics, and vocally was fantastic, one of those songs that leaves a lump in the throat. The crowd were transfixed. A quick look around and everyone was simply nodding in appreciation. It was a truly fantastic song and performed brilliantly.

“An air of coolness and swagger”

Back up to speed and more anthems and driving rock n roll with ‘Electrify’ and then a change in vocals where it was Lloyd’s turn to give it some with one of my favourite tracks ‘Telephone’. Again, proof that these lads are accomplished, all were on the money throughout, rhythmic, melodic, battering drums and solos that shone, even brighter than the shirt worn by Greg on drums. Their songs are ferocious, high energy Rock n Roll with a blend of addictive melodies, great lyrics, punchy riffs and yet they can change it up and have a more emotive element.

“Ferocious, high energy Rock n Roll”

After another 5 songs including ‘Morning Sun’ and ‘Get Out Out’. The heat in the place was astounding, the energy created add further fuel and so by the end of the set, the crowd needed more and  the last song ‘Not 19 forever’ was met with rapturous applause and the place went off. A great way to close what was a fantastic set.

Overall, this was a night that was packed full of energy, every song played by all three bands was an anthem. The agenda for the evening was in my opinion spot on, each band driving the other on until the crowning glory that was the Capollos left you feeling sated yet needing more…much more.

The Scottish scene here in the North is very much alive, you just need to get out and find it, it will not disappoint.