Prides and more at The Loch Ness Inn, Drumnadrochit, 12/9/2015. A review.
The Loch Ness Inn had turned itself inside to accommodate a sizeable crowd who came to see Prides and support. The gravel courtyard was looked onto by a well stocked bar and food stall which were well patronised throughout the evening. The wooden picnic tables provided a fair amount of seating, for when it was required, without infringing on the stage area.
First band on welcoming the arrivals were the ever popular Mystic Shoes. Their range of popular covers got some early dancers down to the front of the stage but most of the crowd gave quiet appreciation of their set.
The arrival on stage of Atom Tree was somewhat delayed pushing back the schedule. Atom Tree are the fusion the electronics of Shaun Canning and the gorgeous voice of Julie Knox. There is an ethereal quality to their combination.
However, this was a little lost as the volume was not what it may have been in say a closed environment but neighbours have to be taken into account too!
Overall an enjoyable experience for those closer to the stage and it sat well with the now faded light of the evening. Atmospheric and absorbing.
The main event was Prides who had drawn a crowd not just of locals, a lot whom were cousins of cousins or maybe that just the group that I met, but many from Glasgow; Prides homeland.
The set was semi-acoustic and at times semi-serious. This though was fitting with the semi-mobile nature of the stage which had almost blown away earlier in the day.
The set up with Callum featuring on acoustic guitar, and as always percussion from Lewis and keys and lead vocals from Stewart kept with the lowered volume levels. This gave the gig a more intimate feel with the audience moving in close and much banter running between the crowd and the band which was most noticeable during a cover and a couple of cameo covers which appeared late on.
The album tracks were met with approval and there was even a push for the band to give a little more of their impromptu version of Taylor Swift’s ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’. They did however get a lot more of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Go Your Own Way’ when Stewart messed up with the keyboard settings and Callum and Lewis had to step in. Their cover though of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Time After Time’ was planned and well executed.
Covers aside the evening was best remembered for the bands relaxed approach and connection with their fans giving good value for money in the village setting.
Finishing off they preached to the converted with ‘Messiah’. It’s a pity that this was their last gig in the Highlands this year, although the band indicated that they would like to remedy that.
Overall this was a well organised event in a location that would not see many events of this type. Locals turned out which is key to the success of such ventures and I’m sure the turnout will lead to further gigs taking place at The Loch Ness Inn.