I’ll begin with the honesty that I saw Holy Snakes were playing in Dundee and immediately asked Bonnie if I could review this gig. I do have a fondness for them, which will be apparent in this article, but as always, I’ll give you my genuine thoughts on the night as a whole. The event was organised by The Planet Hour, a power trio from Aberdeen, as part of their 3-night East Scotland tour, where they played Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Dundee. As is often the case at small-venue gigs, it was quiet when I arrived, and there was a little tension in the air. This was clarified later when The Planet Hour thanked the audience, having played to a very quiet room the previous night in Edinburgh. However, a few minutes ticked by and the room began to fill up.
We were introduced to Steven Kemp, who opened the night stood slightly stage-right, a solo singer-songwriter, who also happened to be from Aberdeen. Steven presented some beautiful songs decorated with intricate acoustic guitar work and a stunning sound. My friend and I mused over the depth of sound he’d created with an octave pedal, bringing deep body, a mic attached to the guitar, which we cannot quite understand the function of, and something else on the pedalboard that turned the highs into soaring synth sounds. Whatever he has dialled in, it’s extremely engaging, and coupled with his humble, friendly voice, it made for an enthralling opening to the evening. There are 2 full albums and a bunch of singles and EPs online to sink your teeth into, so if you’re looking for your new favourite singer-songwriter, it very well may be Steven Kemp.
After a short break, Holy Snakes took to the stage. Look, what can I say about Holy Snakes? They are the epitome of cool. They are a classic black-and-white movie. They are a guy in a leather jacket, smoking a cigarette, silhouetted against a lamppost. They are Sophia Loren driving a classic car through the hills in southern Italy. This Arbroath-based group, now a 5-piece following the addition of Sax and Keys, offers a unique, artistic interpretation of classic rock, with influences from soul and Rhythm & Blues. I have to say, I think the chorus in Youth Medium is one of the best I’ve ever known, and I was ecstatic to hear it live, slightly muffled under my own screaming voice from the back of the room. They went on to play some newer songs they’d been working on, which were equally exciting, artsy and classy.
Now for the main event, The Planet Hour. Like with Steven Kemp, I’d never heard any of their songs before and was experiencing them for the first time live in the room. These are 3 guys who gel perfectly together. With subtle influences from all your favourite Scottish rock bands, including Frightened Rabbit, The XCERTS, and Wrest (who they happen to be supporting next month), The Planet Hour has evidently worked hard to create a sound that is idiosyncratically theirs. Aside from a great energy on stage, the standout element of their music for me is their super catchy choruses. A particular highlight on that front is Nothing More To Say. Mid-set, the lead singer swaps out the electric guitar, on which he’d been playing some tasty tension chords, for an acoustic guitar, but with no dip in energy, before returning to electric for an epic finale. Speaking with some of the band members at various points throughout the night, I got the impression that they are 3 lovely guys with a fervent intent to continue making great music and putting on lively, fun and wholesome performances. They have an album due later this year which they are currently working away on so keep an eye out for that.
This is the magic of local gigs. I went primarily because I knew Holy Snakes would play a great set, and I was secretly hoping they’d play Youth Medium. I’ve now found a solo artist and a band, both based not far from me, who I’m excited about. Your local venue has some really cool stuff happening, so do not miss out. Check out their socials and get yourself some tickets.
