Gig review: The Twilight Sad

THE Twilight Sad are one of a new(ish) breed of Scottish indie bands, emerging in the wake of Idlewild and Biffy Clyro, who have rejected apologetic mumbling or arch delivery in favour of their natural brogue. This Kilsyth collective have been chipping away at the coalface for a few years, gradually building passionate home support.

Judging by the touching gratitude of frontman James Graham, their biggest Scottish headline show to date was an emotional benchmark for the group and they had duly pulled out the stops by hiring a quadraphonic sound system for the occasion. Deploying an extra set of speakers at the back of the hall and the technology to create a surround sound effect, the potential for a full-on sonic assault was demonstrated by the waves of feedback liberally unleashed throughout the set.

The immersive sound design suited their favoured quiet/loud dynamic. But although the increased volume gave them more heft, it couldn't bestow any edge on some competent but underwhelming indie rock material. The crowd were pummelled with spotlights, penetrating drums and distorted guitars rather than any innate power in their songs.

Some propulsive drumming kicked the whole band into touch at intervals but as the set progressed they leaned towards a more blandly conventional set of potential indie anthems, before coming back strong with Cold Days From The Birdhouse, their most memorable hookline, which showcased Graham's rich vocal tone but was then summarily drowned in another helping of prolonged feedback.