A very good Friday at the Ironworks

The second outing of Netsounds new emerging music clubnight UNKNOWN PLEASURES will feature ex-Geneva frontman Andrew Montgomery as a very special guest alongside Glasgow folk pop artist Michael Cassidy and one of the Highlands most popular acts Searching for Donkeys.

The April event takes place on Friday 3rd April with further acts being announced shortly, the night will also feature DJ sets from both Netsounds and Indieness taking us all into the small hours.

With a unique voice that’s equal parts choirboy and soul boy, Andrew Montgomery made waves in the Britpop era as frontman of Scottish band Geneva, scoring four emotive Top 40 singles (‘Tranquillizer’, ‘No-One Speaks’, ‘Best Regrets’, ‘Into the Blue’) and releasing two critically feted albums (‘Further’ and ‘Weather Underground’) between 1996 and 2001. Those in the know rate him highly:

“One of the finest singers Scotland has produced since the late, great Billy Mackenzie…it is such a thrill to hear his angelic vocals again, with songs that veer from dark electro to brooding torch songs.” Jim Gellatly, The Sun

“Montgomery’s extraordinary voice sounds even more affecting and assured than ever. Crucially, the songs are precisely what that voice deserves…beauty itself.” John Aizlewood, Q

“This sumptuous solo debut gives Montgomery the Rufus Wainwright-sized drama queen treatment he deserves. A fine comeback by an underrated talent.” Stephen Dalton, Uncut

“Breathtaking…like Jimmy Somerville meets Jeff Buckley, in church. Will make every hair on your body stand on end.” Chris Hawkins, BBC 6 Music

Also on the bill is Michael Cassidy a singer songwriter from Paisley. Although not easily definable, Michael’s music is best described as alternative folk with an emphasis on melody. Michael sites a great variety of influences ranging from Folk heavyweights such as Richard Thompson and John Martyn to more contemporary acts such as Rufus Wainwright and Radiohead.

Giving the night a local dimension are Searching for Donkeys. They play straight-up indie music, upbeat and drivey, with hooks you’ll be whistling in your sleep. 2014 was an exceptionally busy year for the band with appearances at Belladrum & Bogbain Festivals, support slots with Palma Violets and The View as well as a prestigious support slot for Simple Minds.

Jamie (Netsounds) said “To have the unique voice of Andrew Montgomery on our second outing at Ironworks is pretty thrilling for us. We are delighted to have lured Michael Cassidy back up to the Highlands who along with Searching For Donkeys will bring the party which we aim to keep going into the wee small our with our pals IndieNess”

With further acts to be announced, the night will be held on the 3rd of April.

Tickets can be purchased online.

Frank Finlayson
Frank Finlayson
Chartered surveyor by day, music reviewer by night, and occasionally I get to use my camera. A strange mix, but one that I enjoy. A chance meeting in the queue for Bella in 2010 led to the opportunity to write for InvernessGigs; a far cry from the days of writing for a football fanzine back in the late 80s, early 90s. My interests lie between the mainstream, the emerging and the local. Increasingly I find that we have more than enough locally to entertain us to necessitate a trip south. I’m always happy to give a listen, whatever the genre. Inverness has a plethora of talent, all of which I am more than keen to write about. If it encourages just one person to make the effort to listen to some new music I’ll be happy. You can contact Frank direct via frankieboyfin@gmail.com

What's

Next?

Optimized by Optimole