Scott Gilbert Halloween Party (27/10/17)

Surely there cannot be many people that can say they have been to a gig where not only KISS played, but also the cast of Aladdin. Yet on Friday night in Coady’s bar, Dunfermline, there was more than just awesome costume choices at the Scott Gilbert Band’s Halloween Party.

The night consisted of performances by Jason Brand, Between the Lines, Gentlemen Jackals and headliners the Scott Gilbert Band; all acts that are local to Fife with their own unique style and showing the wide stretch of talent throughout the area.

Opening the party, to a crowd of skeletons, zombies and calaveras, was local lad Jason Brand, a singer-songwriter inspired by indie and acoustic rock. Along with his good friend and tremendously talented guitarist, Craig Hughes, he played a variety of original songs and covers, including a debut performance of his song “23”. Jason’s powerful and soulful, “neck-eh-the-wids” voice was enough to make the audience roar, only needing two acoustic guitars to accompany it. His music can only be described as a class act in respect of the people surrounding him and this he clearly accomplishes well considering his adoring fanbase. What an excellent start to the night he was.

The second act to the show was Dunfermline band, Between the Lines. Now, I must warn you not to be fooled by their innocence and adolescence as these boys can sure as hell perform! From covers by bands as big as Kings of Leon, to songs to fresh and new they have not even been given titles yet. The boys absolutely rocked the place. Three screeching guitars plus a bass and a killer drummer and what have you got? A very happy crowd. These lads have come a long way since they first began playing together in High School and they only get more and more experienced and technically talented in their own way each time I see them.

Third to grace the stage was rock band, Gentlemen Jackals. Dressed as KISS (and talent to match these personas) they gave an ear-busting performance of many original songs. I was predominantly impressed with these guys charisma and stage presence. Gene Simons (bassist Scott Thomson) was particularly impressive, head-banging throughout the set with his tousled, jet black wig flopping back and forward. However, all four of the lads were brilliant. Mark Wilson, lead vocalist and guitarist was undoubtedly no stranger to getting a crowd excited and Friday was no exception. The band’s new album is set to be released at the beginning of the new year and I’m sure it will be just as polished and full of life as the band themselves are. Really really impressive.

And then there was one. The Scott Gilbert Band closed the show and what a performance it was. The band, consisting of Scott Gilbert (lead vocals and guitar), Scott Anstruther (bass), Cameron Jow (drums) and new member Aly O’Mahoney, gave a perfect blend, with their fusion of acoustic folk and rock all coming together beautifully and polished off with Scott’s undeniably unique voice and excellent costumes from the film Aladdin. Along with playing many of the bands own songs, including songs from their current EP, the band also amazed the audience by showcasing their incredible talent through funk and blues instrumentals to fill gaps during the set. The guys closed the show to a packed crowd and only left them wanting more. This night really was one for Fife, and especially Dunfermline, to be proud of. A wonderful array of talent covering many different styles with different musical influences. And what a laugh it was.