After having played the Eagle Bar in Inverness in April, Culann returned to Inverness to play Mad Hatters on Saturday, 28th September.
The venue wasn’t particularly busy to start with and frontman, PJ Kelly, sarcastically noted we were in for a wild night. Gradually, as they started to play the room got busier and people weren’t able to resist the bands charms as they were edging ever closer. Opening with old favourite “Sweet Release” they started as they meant to go on, providing their perfectly sculpted strong rock sound. Proving from one second to the next that they’re certainly not short of talent as they provided some truly intricate, beautiful musical moments.
They boast something truly unique and special and they’re not afraid to show the talents of every member of the band. Ross McCluskie plays keys, adding a texture to their sound that many other bands are only now starting to experiment with. PJ’s vocals are strong and confident. Calum Davis’ basslines run rampant around guitar structures provided by PJ and fellow guitarist Greg Irish. Drummer, Sean Kelly on refuses to settle for stock rhythms and keeps listeners engaged at all times.
Playing through many favourites from their self-titled EP, they continually switched between melodic moments and straight-up unapologetic rock spectacles. Just a glance around the room and you could see everyone was fully engaging in the set and we all shared a smile as we were being treated to some of the tightest music coming from Scotland just now.
They’re very noticeably influenced by their hometown, and Scotland in general, as there is an air of patriotism to their music – even incorporating a quote from Braveheart at the start of fan favourite “Beat Your Chest”. During this song PJ ventured off the stage and adopted his infamous ‘power stance’ – commanding attention without even having to ask for it.
The night was ended with their recent single “Jerusalem”, easily one of their catchiest songs and tightest. If there were any doubters in the room, they will have definitely have been won over at this point. This song flaunts all of the talents mentioned before, and at the end of the day boils down to a rather spectacular piece of music.
A truly enjoyable set from start to finish. They’ve once again put their mark on Inverness and proven why they truly deserve their SAMA win for best rock band.
