Scorpio Leisure? Sleazy, hot and sweaty VERY Sweaty and Pants! (literally, not metaphorically - metaphorically they're incredible)
To compare this to the legendary 1976 Sex Pistols gig at Manchester Lesser Free Trade Hall (which influenced the next 20-plus years of alternative and then into mainstream music through those who were there) might be a bit of a stretch for comparison, but since this gig was announced back in May I’ve been really looking forward for it to come round. There’s definitely been a buzz about the event – officially the album launch of Scorpio Leisure’s debut (although it has been available for a few weeks, and I’ve already played it to death) it felt like a bit of a ‘who’s who’ of the in-the-know Edinburgh (and beyond) music scene, in attendance to witness what was hoped and expected to be gig of the year. And it didn’t fail to deliver.
I’ve been evangelising Scorpio Leisure to a lot of my gig pals for a while now and those who took up to offer to witness what I’d been billing as one of the most enjoyable live bands I’ve heard in a long time, was Mrs Gig-Antics, PeniGoth Mark and OAW Music-Maestro Stevie. Our pre-gig meet for beers and blethers covered the usual range of random stuff; extreme exercise and questionably necessary or unnecessary physical efforts (Saharan treks, terrifying horse-riding trails in Mexico and Canada, 50-hour races through the Alps to name a few, none of which I would do); comparisons of Munro-Bagging to eating boxes of Quality Street (ticking off the easy ones being the same as starting with the favourites – the purple ones, the green triangles, the caramel swirls and tougher Munros being left to the end, the coffees creams, the orange creams, the toffee penny being the Inaccessible Pinnacle Black Cuillin); and somehow Blackpool being used as a measure of quality holidays (!?). 10/10 apparently so I’ll keep that in mind for Rebellion in two weeks’ time.
On to the gig, in the smaller Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy space that added to the intimacy of the event with familiar faces at every turn – from the La Beat Soul crew the legends Ross & Gavin, ‘Noise Of Art’/’Shop-Local’ Neil (check out his great stuff), Edinburgh Gigeratti’s Ian and Grant and The Ginger Quiff (who’s reviews are always a great read – check out his review of the gig too) to name a few but so many other familiar faces dotted around the place.
Accident Machine had just started when we arrived and it was already pretty busy. I hadn’t heard of them before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. They’re a pleasant surprise - a hypnotic avalanche of sound, a bit trancey, an experimental sound-journey vibe and old-school house all at the same time. Definitely worth checking out.
Some great tunes between support and main act from another of Edinburgh’s current highflyers, Joseph Malik and also good to hear his own latest release Only Fans which I’ve been playing a lot recently – check it out AND the remixes, each one a cracker.
By the time Joseph introduced the band pretty much everyone was already whooping as they came on stage since the Speakeasy only has one way to get there – through the crowd – and they hit the ground running. I thought this gig had more of a punky, raw feel to it than the haunting gothic-noir sound to their set last time I saw them at Last Night From Glasgow’s all-dayer in March, but no less impressive. And with 100% of the crowd here for them this time they clearly fed off the cheer and energy in the room.
It was a busy stage with extra/new drummer, Paul joining the band (and credit to him having only just rehearsed with he band the day before, well done sir), but the additions didn’t stop there, with Pam joining for backing vocals later in the set then the legendary Malcolm Ross coming on for a few songs towards the end too, adding another expertly played layer to the already-strong sound. As he got ready to the side of the front I thought he’d end up having to play from there. Luckily, there was a place, but I can only think it added to the rising temperature.
Great to hear the album played out live - my top favourites from the night were Apology, Pulse Beat, Don’t Get Pulled Under (an incredible song that, to me said “I’ll see your Screamadelica and raise it”. It put me in mind of that classic album, but not in a way to compare it, but to highlight this song is something that album enviously would wish it could have claimed as one of its own), and a couple of new songs Sweet Harmony and Rain, that take their sound (and I expect, their status & profile) to a higher level.
These new, somewhat more upbeat tunes let Scorpio Leisure’s sound off the leash using the extra guitars and other effects to give a much looser and confident feel. While tonight was all about their debut album launch, on the strength of these I hope we’re not waiting too long for another album launch and I expect will be in a much bigger venue as the nest of Scorpio Leisure fans will no doubt be a much bigger one by then.
As well as the celebration-like feel to the evening, the heat was another constant factor, roasting from the start it only got hotter through the set and proved too much for someone. Either that or the band inspired a frenzied response from one over-enthusiastic fan who flung what looked like a manky pair of Y-fronts at Mungo as the band finished up. Too hot for some, I guess.
So that was my 50th gig of 2024 and what a way to mark the milestone. Thank you Colin & the Under The Wires gang again for another excellent gig and for what I hope will be looked back on in years to come as an “I was there” moment – tonight, Scorpio Leisure were our pleasure.
@scorpio_leisure
@accident_machine
@malikmarvel71
Fantastic gig, so glad I got the opportunity to go. Will definitely be at future gigs.