RETRO VIDEO CLUB // STEREO CAFE BAR, GLASGOW
Edinburgh based Retro Video Club have been bringing their high octane indie rock to club stages since 2015. Tonight they kick off the Scottish leg of their “Third Wheel Tour” in Stereo’s basement in Glasgow.
RETRO VIDEO CLUB PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S STEREO CAFE BAR, GLASGOW - 13.12.2018
PICTURE BY: ALAN WHITFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY
★★★★☆
“RV, RV. RV F*CKING C” is the chant that echoes round the room as the band takes the stage.
In the middle of the applause they kick things off with their latest release, the rousing and anthemic “3AM”. They throw themselves around the stage, grinning inanely and it’s impossible not to enjoy their enthusiasm especially as their confidence is backed up with such a perfectly formed and spiky indie gem.
Then it all went dark.
At first I thought the blackout was part of the show but apparently not. The guys seem to have completely blown the power halfway through their second track. From what frontman, Liam, tells us this is not the first time and that probably explains why they deal with it so well. They seem to enjoy the impromptu banter with the supportive, if not a little mischievous, crowd before the lights come back on.
As the power returns it becomes clear the bass amp is a casualty of the blown fuse. A replacement amp will need carted through the crowd so Liam quickly adjusts the set and preforms a superb, stripped back version of “Noir” as the running repairs are made to the bands rhythm section.
And again they are four.
Once back to full complement RVC power through the foot stomping, Arctic Money shaped indie-pop that is “Recovery”.
Singles, “Chemistry” and “Famous” are up next and prove how capable this band are of writing huge tracks that tune into the high levels of teenage angst bouncing around the room. They have a sound that sits somewhere between The Fratellis and The View but with the needed rock edge of Scottish counterparts, Biffy Clyro. I know these are easy comparisons to make but they still sound remarkably fresh and, more importantly, original.
Tracks like “Psycho” showcase the powerful rhythm section, lively melodies and relentless hooks. It’s easy to see why they have already established such a dedicated and boisterous ensemble of fans.
They close the set with the poetic and sentimental “1993” that has the kind of meditative and nostalgic guitars you could have expected from the mid 90’s indie scene.
If you haven’t managed to catch them on this short tour then you will have another chance to see them live “Live At Leeds” on the 4th May 2019