The venue proved how successful the band are by completely packing out, and making running about taking pictures incredibly difficult. The stage was decorated by leaves around the mike stands and cardboard sheep scattered about the stage. People were drawn into this which was great for support band Simian.

The lights dimmed and a long whining drone started to build itself up before the band mounted the stage. They had a backdrop flashing some brilliant stills and quotes - perhaps the cartoon image of Margaret Thatcher stood out the most. When they started to play it sounded like a blend between Air and Radiohead, on Kid A. The band looked perfect all dressed in black T-shirts, which could have looked tacky but made the band look perfectly in place. The first song went down perfectly with the unsure audience. Simian should maybe receive an award for most instruments used by four guys. They brought in the usual guitars, drums and keyboards. Then they added instruments such as a slide guitar, a flute, percussion, a bugle, a kazoo and one of those little keyboard things that you blow in!! (If you know what they're called please let me know.) They played every song like it was their last and when they finally finished their last song 'Whiz' the crowd responded as if they'd come to see Simian and not Turin Brakes.

But then after the huge changeover Turin Brakes came on stage to a huge roar and it seemed as if more people came in to pack it out some more. But before they came on we were graced by a version of 'Mind over money' with drum 'n' bass? As soon as they came on stage Ollie shouted 'Hello Dundee!' but then I noticed that he had it written in giant letters on his set list so that he remembered where he was. Even though the Turin Brakes songs are so mellow the set was full of energy and the crowd really got into it. 'Underdog' seemed to start the crowd dancing in a way I never thought would fit to Turin Brakes, but it did - perhaps I'm just a crap dancer! The acoustic solo during 'Mind Over Money' was greeted by a huge cheer. The two demonstrated brilliant vocals and harmonies on 'The Bus' a song from their first release 'The State of Things EP'.

Perhaps the entertainment was really brought out when they played the final two songs, 'Nobody but me' - which was more rocky than the rest of the set, and final song 'Mind Over Money'. These two songs really started some movement throughout the crowd, people actually started to try and move further forward. If they moved any further forward they'd be on the stage.

They came on for a well deserved encore which included future release 'Emergency 72' or as it seems to be known '72'. They finished the song with a brilliant wah-wah effect on the guitars which extended the song to keep the crowd entertained.
© AbertayUnion.com | Matt Ridgway | Turin Brakes at On Air East

All in all the gig was brilliant. For such a big band in a relatively small venue it couldn't have been any better. Well done to the guys at On Air East, and well done to both bands, Simian and Turin Brakes, and well done to John at Beatgenerator for putting on such a good gig.