Malcolm Middleton: Thekla

Friday 3rd July 2009

This is a Crackerjack review of Malcolm Middleton. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.

Crackerjack rating: 7 / 10.

It was pretty tough dragging yourself in from the blazing sunshine, to the dark hull of a boat but it had to be done.

Pictish Trail opened with a set of Ben Folds-style vocals squeezed out through a mesmerising contorted face. This was complemented perfectly by a sweet-sounding female singer, who apparently makes excellent eggs benedict in Bristol.

His set ended with a Soulwax explosion of experimental sound which pleased the hardcore tipsy folk at the front.

Even if Malcom Middleton had have only made it through a few songs before storming off stage, like he did in Portsmouth when his former band mate from Arab Strap messed up a song, then it would have been OK. He opened with the rousing and interestingly titled Ballad of F**k All. 

Middleton is all about the lyrics. During Choir, you hear the Simon Pegg lookalike spitting "Self preservation threatens us all, health deterioration comes to us all". And it's not often you hear the words 'cannae' or 'pish' in a song.

Middleton has clearly drawn influence from a range of sources, many of which are Scottish. From traditional Celtic music to Runrig.

And in places, such as during Blue Plastic Bags, you could hear echoes of Bright Eyes, with Middleton as a kind of seasoned Connor Oberst of the Highlands. We'll ignore the fact that it was almost a decade ago that Bright Eyes supported Arab Strap on tour.

We're All Going To Die went down a treat and was a prime example of how violins can be used in fast paced indie music. Less so the Fresh Prince of Bel Air rap slotted into one of the songs courtesy of the bearded man behind Pictish Trail.

After more than two hours of energetic and original music, what better way to end a charged gig than with a good ole dose of Run To You by Bryan Adams.

Laura Williams

This is a Crackerjack review of Malcolm Middleton. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.