Aberfeldy / King Creosote / My Latest Novel

Aberfeldy, King Creosote and My Latest Novel @ the Grand Ole Opry [Triptych]

Tonight’s change of venue – due to demand might I add – led us to Paisley Road Toll and something resembling a Sergio Leone set; all that was missing was Clint Eastwood, although we did spot Bryan Burnett lurking amongst the crowd so maybe Clint was hiding amongst the scenery. Amidst the desert-and-cactus sunset murals adorning the walls and the juxtaposition of Confederates and Scottish flags side-by-side above the stage, I had a rather strong urge to challenge someone to a gunfight. But seeing as I’d left my Smith & Wesson at home, I may as well just watch the bands.
My Latest Novel are first up, swinging from a similar brand of countrified punk as Sons and Daughters are championing at the moment to more hushed melodies, such as the hand-claps, xylophones and four-part harmonising of the truly lovely ‘Hope Edition’. They seem to have an undeniable inventiveness and willingness to try and combine new things, which combined with their multi-instrumental prowess, should carry them far.
Up next was the ambassador of Fence himself, King Creosote. Sadly I missed the first bit of King Kenny’s set, but was a tad disappointed with what I did catch: it didn’t stand up to his disc-based stuff at all, whether it be solo or with the phenomenal Fence Collective. So that was a shame. I have been told he has done some fantastic live shows though so maybe we just caught him on an off night, or maybe he was just upset no one was line-dancing. Who knows.
But soon Aberfeldy were on stage, flying straight into the songs thick and fast. They pretty much covered everything from their exuberant pop-folk debut “Young Forever”, along with some new material and soon-to-be-as-iconic-as-the-man-himself b-side ‘Tom Weir’, encapsulating the wonderful cry of “Free beer for Tom Weir”. If only the world were as super-nice as Aberfeldy can make you believe it is. But if not, at least we had been treated to another flawlessly fun-filled gig from one of Scotland’s brightest hopes. Even judging by the barely rehearsed new songs, they should be around for a while yet and I’m glad: the world is certainly a happier place with Aberfeldy in it. (Stuart Purcell)