Scottish Alternative Music Awards

For some people, a couple of live bands on a Wednesday evening are just not enough entertainment, which probably was the reasoning behind Richy Muirhead’s Scottish Alternative Music Awards which took place last week. The live music event was accompanied with a ceremony of various awards for the best Scottish bands, a comedian Billy Kirkwood and special guest Jim Gellatly; but topping the evening was four extra special live performances from Bronto Skylift, Make Sparks, This Familiar Smile and The LaFontaines.

Motorhead are supposedly the loudest band ever recorded, but I’d seriously like to see Lemy’s face as Glasgow two-piece Bronto Skylift take to the stage to open the show. Combining loud with loud, Bronto Skylift create a sound far too surreal to come from only two people. Three broken drum sticks into the set, drummer Iain continues to pound out those crazy beats, as the guitarist drags his weapon into the crowd for a voracious grand finale.

Performing next are Make Sparks, clearly a very tight act who showcase each track tonight with playful harmonies and intricate elegance. The lyrics are delivered beautifully and mellow, juxtaposing the fast, heaving guitars and bass. Make Sparks lend their creativity to their set this evening, with their absolute precision in song writing bringing in an incredible live performance.

This Familiar Smile perform next, with sheer enthusiasm and love. The vocals from This Familiar Smile are smooth but loud, a shouting concurrence settling somewhere in between Feeder and Funeral For a Friend. The band certainly bring the dancers to the front, showing off the fun aspect of their style and justifying beautifully their position in the line up tonight.

The Award Ceremony is next on tonight’s itinerary, with guest Jim Gellatly joining Billy Kirkwood on stage to announce the winners, which are listed at the bottom of this page.

Winning the 'Best Live Act’ award this evening, The LaFontaines take to the stage as headliners, giving out a pure validation of their new moniker with their live performance. The LaFontaines are donned in costumes reminiscent of something the Cuban Brothers would shock with, and show off their songs with attitude, fierce determination and rude boy wit. Rapping with a Scottish twang along to some rocking beats, yes The LaFontaines really are one of the country’s Best Live Bands.


THE WINNERS OF THE SCOTTISH ALTERNATIVE MUSIC AWARDS:

BEST ROCK / ALTERNATIVE – Trapped In Kansas
www.myspace.com/trappedinkansas

BEST NEWCOMER – As Darkness Falls
www.myspace.com/asdarknessfalls09

BEST METAL – Promised Only Lies
www.myspace.com/promisedonlyliesuk

BEST LIVE ACT – The LaFontaines
www.myspace.com/thelafontaines


Photograph©Craig Ferguson Photography
www.myspace.com/craigfergusonphotography