There was a good reason I didn’t board the customary 525 to Glasgow last Thursday night. The simple fact was that the later train still got me there in plenty of time, considering the venue for the evening is a mere fifty yards from the station.

So I rebelled and caught the 543, chaperoned for the evening by Boy Child. It had been way too long!  (149 days since my last live music fix- the drought was finally over)

This was my first visit to Glasgow’s legendary Cathouse and, as I was climbing the steep stairs up to the hall, the names on the front of the treads read like a “Who’s Who” of rock history. Some big names have hauled their gear up those stairs!

First to take to the stage were Buffalo Summer. I’d seen this four piece band from Wales just over a year ago when, along with Aussie rockers Massive, they supported The Treatment. I’ll be honest, I’d been luke warm about them that night. This time round however was a different story! They’ve grown tighter as a group. Their sound seemed harder and bolder and they were oozing confidence throughout their short opening slot.

I always suspect opening for anyone in Glasgow is a tough gig but there were a few Buffalo Summer shirts on display in the crowd and these boys very quickly had the small but growing audience on side. Highlight of their set for me was Down To The River. Great song! Good solid set.

It was all a bit DIY on the stage crew front as Buffalo Summer dismantled their set up and trotted off carrying various drums and guitars. As they moved out, Scorpion Child moved in.

Hailing from Austin, TX, Scorpion Child were a new band to me. Quite deliberately I hadn’t looked them up before the show. I wasn’t disappointed! This five piece band delivered a fabulous set. With very strong late 60’s/early 70’s influences to their music, Scorpion Child built on the energy generated by Buffalo Summer.

I have to confess that vocalist Aryn Jonathon Black’s choice of attire made me smile. He looked to have stepped straight out of a 1970’s mail order catalogue. Mr Littlewoods or Mr  Sears 1973!  That said, the “look” matched the music to perfection.  Great set! I’d go back to see these boys again.

More DIY stage crew efforts, with a couple of roadies thrown in and the small stage was swiftly turned round again.

The mighty Crobot were in the room!

Their first Scottish headline set opened in spectacular style with Legend of a Spaceborne Killer. Killer opener! Legend was swiftly followed by Skull of Geronimo. Two huge numbers to open with.  Crobot had grabbed the crowd by the ba…  😉

Their eighty minute set was split almost fifty fifty with old and new tracks. Out of the six new songs that they treated the crowd to, my favourites were Serpent Shepherd and Easy Money. All boding well for a new album due to be released next year sometime.

Highlights of the night for me were La Mano De Lucifer and Queen of the Light.  I love La Mano De Lucifer! The control and delicacy of the intro section had the crowd  held in suspense as they sang along with Brandon Yeagley then “THUMP” the rhythm machine of Jake and Paul Figueroa kicks in along with the guitar wizardry of Chris Bishop. Awesome song! Queen of the Light is as close to a ballad as these boys get. I love the atmospheric guitar work from Chris at the start and this song is perhaps Brandon at his finest.

Despite the low ceiling and an extra low central beam running the depth of the stage, Crobot delivered a passionate, fun and athletic set. All four of them were in a playful mood  up there. Watching Chris Bishop’s high speed 360 degree guitar swing trick is a sight to behold, particularly in what seemed from the rail to be a tight space. Neat trick, sir! I was equally impressed too that despite the low ceiling, Brandon managed to leap onto Chris’s shoulders for a brief spell. Sheer skill! Bassist Jake Figueroa delivers the most passionate performance. He appears to share a very intimate relationship with his bass throughout every song.

Crobot ended the night with Fly On The Wall. Awesome end to a fantastic show.

Almost eighteen months ago I promised these boys that I’d be on the rail if they headlined a show in Glasgow. I kept that promise. In actual fact that’s the third time I’ve been on the rail to watch them play in Glasgow. I fully intend to be on that rail every time they play Glasgow!

Special thanks to Jake for passing me Brandon’s set list at the end and huge thanks to all of Crobot for signing it for me.

Hurry back, boys, and bring that new album with you!