North Atlas, with support from Silvercoast, at Tooth & Claw, Inverness.
Support for the evening are Silvercoast, the established Inverness five piece. Feeder influences are never that far away for the band however at times the intensity that was obvious in their earlier tunes has been traded for a more contemporary pop punk slant.
Displaying good competent musicianship, whose evolution may appeal to a wider market, it’s a pity the band are blighted by some frustrating habits in particular the long changeovers filled by repetitive and awkward banter.
Headliners are North Atlas, as they take to the stage it’s hard not to cast an eye over the audience and wonder how disheartening it could be for those involved in the gig for the poor turn out. Even a shout out thanking the support falls on deaf ears,”where are they?” asks an audience member as tumbleweed slowly blows past the stage.
Regardless, it’s full steam ahead for the the three piece, whose recent singles have been produced by Dan Weller. North Atlas put in a stadium worthy performance with thumping beats of the drum proving irresistible. The nuances of Cam Hunter’s vocals are showcased (credit to the sound guys too), there are touches of Jim Kerr and possibly even Robert Smith. A Led Zeppelin cover is thrown in for good measure, so too a track that would fit in perfectly with Eighties James Bond themes; “Too Many Ways To Die”.
Unsurprisingly it is latest release ‘South’ that finishes the set and it’s worth the wait. The band describe the track as having a “more honest and raw face than before” it certainly shows a versatility which bodes well for the future. As a whole it is hard not to think about Prides but North Atlas replace the pop with rock and certainly create an additional edge to proceedings.
As I leave I am thanked for coming along by Cam, I am not the only one and it’s a lovely touch for the band who could’ve quite easily let their heads go down and went through the motions.
A cracking headline slot, only wish more people would have shared the experience.
Read our review of the band from 2017;
