LIVE: HQFU ALBUM LAUNCH, THE GLAD CAFE, GLASGOW 8 APRIL 2016

As you'll probably know, I'm a bit of a fan of HQFU - she won last year's Almost Predictable for best new artist for example. Glasgow continues to produce a staggering array of incredible electronic music and HQFU is easily one of the standout acts in that deep pool of talent. Last night (8 April) at The Glad Cafe in Shawlands, Glasgow, HQFU launched her debut self titled album with a live performance that was one of the finest I've seen in a long time.

The gig was hosted by TYCI and their DJ's got everything started off perfectly with some outstanding tracks before and between the acts. You know that if someone plays Robyn they're hitting all the right notes. Support came from Mogen and her set was a perfect opener - icy Goldfrapp like synths mixing with poppy melodies and quite wonderful vocals. It was certainly impressive and Mogen is definitely one to watch.

HQFU live, Glad Cafe, 8 April 2016

HQFU's set was basically sensational. It's rare that a solo electronic artist can make such an impact really - the whole room was bouncing around from the off and it had the feeling of a full on rave at times, rather than a debut album launch in a small venue. Live, HQFU's already powerful, 90's dance influenced tracks gain an extra edge and her live set is one you have to catch. A track like GTFOOS is a prime example. On the album, which I'm playing at neighbour bothering volume as I type, the track is a driving, electro monster, but live, it is simply sensational.  Good Reason was another standout track. I really don't know how to describe how immense it was. It was one of the moments where you realise that live music is simply one of the greatest things there is. I was reminded of the likes of Orbital's gigs at the Barrowlands which are still among some of the finest I've been to. HQFU does what they did - grabs you with the music and holds you there for the whole show. It was ecstatic, electronic perfection and I don't think anyone there last night would disagree. One of the best things about live music is seeing an act exceed the expectations you had on going to the gig. I'm a full HQFU convert already, so I had high expectations. They were more than exceeded - this was easily one of the best gigs I've been to in a long time. Your task for today is to buy the album (link below) then check when HQFU is next playing live and make sure you get a ticket. You do not want to miss out.

HQFU live, Glad Cafe, 8 April 2016

HQFU Bandcamp https://hqfu.bandcamp.com/album/hqfu

HQFU Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HQFUHQFU/?fref=ts

HENRY & FLEETWOOD - ON THE FOREST FLOOR E.P.

Olive Grove Records is a label I love. It has a beautifully diverse range of artists from the magnificent soundscapes produced by the wonderful Call To Mind to the supremely catchy pop folk of Skinny Dipper. New signings Henry & Fleetwood are a welcome addition to the label's roster and their debut e.p. On The Forest Floor is an intriguing and quite lovely release.

Henry & Fleetwood are a duo comprising Martin Henry of De Rosa and Gillian Fleetwood of State Broadcasters. The e.p, as the title and cover art (above) belie, has a pastoral feel throughout with songs that evoke the Scottish countryside, viewing it as an escape from the day to day drag of urban life. Combining harp, acoustic guitars and synths, the songs sound like a soundtrack to a lost weekend in a quiet rural part of the country but that's not to say this is an e.p. that doesn't posses a certain power or darkness. All four tracks (On The Forest Floor, Forestry, Timber, Perfect Mess) manage to sound melancholic yet uplifting at the same time and, as you all know, that is what makes the very best music. Timber is my favourite track from the e.p. with its combination of folk and pop producing something quite unique but, overall the release works best heard as one piece rather than individual tracks. Repeated listens reveal more and more layers to the tracks too - this is very clever and very impressive music.

On The Forest Floor is out on Olive Grove Records  on 13 April on limited edition cd and download. There is also an e.p. release show tomorrow, April 11, at The Glad Cafe.

Olive Grove Records Facebook https://www.facebook.com/olivegroverecords?fref=ts

Henry & Fleetwood Facebook https://www.facebook.com/henryandfleetwood?fref=ts