Band Of Skulls in concert

Their name might sound like a heavy metal band but Band Of Skulls fall more into the category of alternative rock. It's taken them a while to gain a much deserved fan base and recognition but the trio from Southampton have come a lone way since their inception in 2004. I am a fairly recent convert, having stumbled across them on YouTube. Tonight they were playing at Glasgow's Queen Margaret Union and apparently it was a sell out. One advantage of the venue was £2.90 for a pint of Magners cider served by attractive young students. Those at the gig were a mixture of young bright things and ageing rockers - I think I am falling slowly into the later category. I got there early enough to take in the support act. They were quite good but maybe it says something when their best song of the set is a cover version, in this case a haunting adaptation of Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game'. Another thing, they didn't tell the audience their band name, which for a fledgling young band is an huge oversight. I refuelled at the bar, spoilt for choice as to which barmaid shall serve me. I went for the blonde this time. By the time I got back the venue was almost full and I had to jostle to get a decent view. After much technical prep by the roadies Band Of Skulls arrived on stage to a roaring welcome. They launched straight into a song that I assumed was from their as yet unreleased new album. It was really good and set the bar for the rest of their gig. I noticed a difference between Band Of Skulls and their support act - the former had much better stage presence and just seemed to nail their songs with a superior sound and energy. Drums and bass were really tight and kept the groove, allowing lead guitarist and joint vocalist Russell Marsden to punch out rock riffs with expression and power. I didn't know all of their songs but it didn't really matter, they are a really top class live band. Quite noisy, so be warned. After the gig, as we all filed out of the Queen Margaret Union, a fight broke out; bouncers jumped in, screams and beer flying in every direction. It was probably the two barmaids fighting over me. Ah well. Only to be expected.