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Admiral Fallow come of age at sold-out Celtic Connections show

Review: The folk-infused indie-rock act played their largest gig on home turf in Glasgow at the weekend – and it was a “celebration of hard-won achievement”.

30 January 2012 12:30 GMT

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Admiral Fallow come of age at sold-out Celtic Connections show

Louis Abbott: Admiral Fallow singer-songwriter 'instantly engaged' crowd Pic: © Dave Taylor

By Elaine Downs

When a local band makes good, sometimes as a nation we can be a bit cynical about their success. Not so at O2 ABC in Glasgow tonight where Admiral Fallow’s largest gig on home turf was a celebration of hard won achievement.

Aided and abetted by the Edinburgh Band Chasing Owls and fellow Glaswegians FOUND, this Celtic connections gig showcased the quality of local music.

Admiral Fallow opened with Old Balloons: a theme for hard times where the insistent drums are tempered by delicate melody.

This was followed by the infectiously upbeat Taste the Coast. The crowd were instantly engaged, emotions up and down at the whim of Louis Abbott and his crew.

They bring us precision song-writing expertly brought to life by a range of instruments, including brass quartet, in addition to the usual rock suspects. Clarinet and flute were given a powerful backdrop of drum and bass guitar.

This was put to good use in Subbuteo which evoked bitter sweet childhood memories, and the ever dark Dead Against Smoking. New songs from their forthcoming album hinted at further greatness to come.

The band encored with Four Bulbs which, until recently, was done in simple harmonies without microphones in small venues, like Edinburgh’s Sneaky Pete’s. The audience seemed to hold its collective breath until the last notes fell silent and the crowd erupted in appreciation.

Finishing in fine style with the anthemic Squealing Pigs this was a coming-of-age gig which proved Admiral Fallow have a great future ahead of them.

Local fan Katy Lloyd came out clutching a set list with a joyous grin; the darker themes of the music giving way to life affirming happiness. She enthused: “They are one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live … ever. The new songs have kept the old sound with a new twist. It’s so refreshing.”

Admiral Fallow’s next Glasgow gig will be the infamous Glasgow Barrowlands in December, where every band built to last, earns their stripes. Admiral Fallow have paid their dues and are ready for the Barrowlands gig, and so are we.