Gig review: Altered Sky, Glasgow

Edinburgh-based alt-rock act Altered Sky have an uncynical self-belief that ought to carry them beyond the occasionally wide-eyed and gauche aspects of their music.
Altered SkyAltered Sky
Altered Sky

Altered Sky - King Tut’s, Glasgow

* * *

Led by sparky frontwoman and lyricist Ana Nowosielska, high on the promise of 2014, perpetually pumping her fist in the air and inviting the crowd to join in, the youthful five-piece have an upbeat, punkish sensibility, wrapped up in infectious strains of radio-friendly American college rock.

Opener I Know You Know blends a jagged, catchy guitar riff with Nowosielska’s plaintive vocals, which occasionally approach an Avril Lavigne whine but generally carry an impressive punch.

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Where I Belong is one of their poppier numbers, but guitarist Neil Ramsay affords a dirty, dirgy edge to its contrast of “fairytale” idealism and grittier real life.

They’re less assured during their sporadic moments of balladry, Shining White Star being a rather soporific case in point until the rest of the band crash in midway through, with Ramsay and fellow guitarist Richard Passe chugging away for all they’re worth.

But in the main, they keep things fast, pacey and loud, instigating some pretty raucous crashing about in the crowd.

Sometimes, the combination of excess angst and soaring chorus can get a bit samey. However, there’s no denying that a track like Apple Tree has a fine melody, wonderfully evoking the ache of lost love with an instantly memorable refrain.

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