Jason Henderson reviews the recent O2 ABC2 gig.
As the Banter Thiefs rounded up their first ever headline show at Glasgow's O2 ABC2 on Saturday night, it was difficult to work out just who had been up for it more–the band themselves or the rowdy 300+ fans who had turned up to witness their blistering 45-minute set.
The potential for a fantastic gig was always going to be there. The Motherwell four-piece have managed to craft a number of songs which boast a high level of musical ability, catchy melodies and a lyrical quality that allows lead vocalist David Clark to make local Lanarkshire references and observations while still managing to produce songs which can strike a chord with those from outwith the area. The band have also managed to develop a confident stage presence and chemistry thanks to an ever-increasing experience of playing live over the past few years. And if that wasn't enough, their loyal, loud and lively band of followers were always going to be ready for the party.
Before the Banter Thiefs took the stage, however, those eager fans beginning to filter into the venue were treated to three very capable support acts. A fine appearance by hard rockers Interzone got things kicked off before Glasgow twin sisters Chloe and Hannah Thompson, otherwise known as the Van T's, impressed with their emotive brand of indie folk. By the time the vibrant Joy Division-esque Bright Young Nights left the stage, an appealing and eclectic evening of music had already been enjoyed by those present. The best, however, was still to come.
There may have been a few first-ever-headline-show nerves present in the Banter Thiefs camp as they took their place upon the ABC2 stage but it certainly didn't show as the band confidently launched into the fast-paced “Swings and Roundabouts” and proceeded to swagger their way through a fantastic performance, matched only by the rocking energy produced by an enthusiastic crowd, which included Motherwell FC captain Keith Lasley. “Don't Forget Where You Come From”, with its opening lines referencing the Thatcher government's closure of the Ravenscraig steelworks in Motherwell (“She'd never been north of Watford, she'd never been in our town / So what was she thinking when she shut the old site down?”), produced one of the highlights of the night, as a sizeable proportion of the fans found themselves belting out the chorus from under a large saltire, and the spirited crowd participation continued with another passionate sing-a-long during the powerful “Civic Cafe”, complete with numerous cigarette lighters held aloft.
Both the crowd and the band themselves never showed any signs of running out of steam as a storming rendition of new song “Rockstars” managed to produce a lively mosh pit, before fan favourite “Sly Tinnies” sparked further wild scenes. And then, just as it seemed like the energy had finally been drained from the room, the build-up and subsequent crescendo of “All Your Life” squeezed out one last explosive flurry from both fan and band member alike, including bouts of crowd surfing and an impromptu stage invasion.
The potential for a fantastic gig had indeed always been where no one present could surely deny that the potential had been more than fulfilled. Those who bore witness to the Banter Thiefs' headlining debut were treated to a thoroughly memorable experience in which, for three quarters of an hour, Glasgow's ABC2 was completely rammed with raw, rocking indie energy. If your musical taste includes the likes of the View and the Enemy, then you should have no trouble in enjoying what this Motherwell band has to offer.
The Banter Thiefs story to date already includes highlights such as support slots for the View, an appearance by Motherwell FC manager Stuart McCall in the music video for “Swings and Roundabouts”, and being flown to Norway to perform at the Aalesunds FK supporters' start-of-season party, but there's absolutely no reason why this triumphant headline gig can't take a rightful place near the top of that list.
Who knows what the future holds for the four lads from
Lanarkshire but regardless, in the small Motherwell context of the Banter
Thiefs, this summer appearance at the O2 ABC2 could very well be their Lesser
Free Trade Hall 1976.
https://www.facebook.com/thebanterthiefs
The Banter Thiefs are David Clark (vocals), Keith Condie (guitar), Derek Watson (bass) & Darren O'Rourke (drums).
Set List: Swings and Roundabouts; Levi Toi; Familiarity Breeds Contempt; Pretty Boys; Coconuts; Don't Forget Where You Come From; Civic Cafe; Rockstars; Sly Tinnies; All Your Life.
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