Gig review: The View, Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow

HOPING to recover the buzz that accompanied their debut album, The View previewed their fourth record, Cheeky For A Reason, at this low-key, warm-up gig, a work singer Kyle Falconer has memorably described as “Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours done by The Clash”.

Retaining the scampish, ska-rock sound and distinctively Scottish vocals that made the Dundonians’ name here and elsewhere to a lesser extent, there’s real verve to the new tracks, not unlike the soaring pop choruses of Stevie Nicks et al over the strident guitar attack of Joe Strummer and co.

Over the course of a perfunctory hour, their three-chord howls offer just enough established, singalong numbers for the dedicated fans waving “The View Are On Fire!” scarves and repeating the same any time there’s a break between songs.

But there’s less stompalong boisterousness to likely future single Bunker, with its plaintive appeal of “I’ll stay with you”, and the assured The Clock Has No Sympathy is evidence of their maturing writing.

Elsewhere, the killer riff, unstoppable momentum and rampaging final minute of Wasted Little DJs and the raw indie calling card of Superstar Tradesman remain their standards.

They’ll be difficult to displace in the fans’ affection.

But the band obviously have confidence in these compositions with soft rock traces, sounding like a redoubled effort to secure radio play and break back into the charts.

Rating: ***