For the uninitiated Last Summer Effect are an alternative rock band from the Inverness, Dingwall and Black Isle area who are no strangers on the Inverness music scene supporting a large number of bands including “The Side” and “Pearl and the Puppets”.
Photo by houdi
LSE have also headlined a few shows of their own in Inverness and Dingwall as well as performing at Ironworks as part of goNorth. Their style ranges from powerful rock ballads to “headbanging” hard rock. They have been a growing force in the music scene in Inverness in the past year and their new EP “Say What You’re Thinking” will be out on August the 12th. The gig at Belladrum will be a rare one for the boys as they’ll be performing an acoustic set.
invernessGiGs: Hey there guys do you want to tell us a bit about yourselves?
Last Summer Effect: The band consists of Stephen Bull (bass guitar), Chris Smith (vocals) Michael McCulloch (guitar), Robbie Tranter (guitar) and Michael Bull (drums) and we have been around for about two years now but changed our line up and style about a year ago when we got our new guitarist Robbie. Me (Stephen) and Michael are brothers and have been in a few bands before but met Chris and Michael two years ago and formed under the name Carpe Diem. We changed our name early this year though. We are greatly influenced by You Me At Six, Young Guns, Stone Sour, The Who, Kings of Leon and to many to mention.
iG: So, are you excited to play the festival? What do you like most about it?
AB: Yeah, we are really excited, we’ve never played any festival before but we had all been to Belladrum before and we all agree that it is the friendliest festival we’ve ever been to. Everyone is always in a good mood, and everyone gets on with each other.
iG: What do you think about the new stage? Who are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
LSE: Brilliant Idea. There was a bit of a lack of spaces for locals to play and this stage has filled that gap. Stephen, outside of the HEN stage, I am most looking forward to seeing Frank Turner. Michael Bull, Dry The River and Planisfear & Esbjerg.
iG: What do you think about the music scene up in the Highlands/Inverness?
LSE: We think it is continually improving. Inverness gigs plays a part in that, as well as the venues and promoters in Inverness. And of course things like Glachbeg Croft Folk Club and the HEN Free Range Folk Stage are doing wonders for this scene of music in the area. We are extremely sad to her about the closure of Ceol-Mor though, will be greatly missed.
Last Summer Effect will be playing the HEN stage at Belladrum at 7pm on the 5th of August, and also at Madhatters for their EP launch on the 12th of August.
By Mark Thompson
