Treacherous Orchestra
Adam Holmes & The Embers
Rachel Sermanni
Perth Concert Hall
AN EMPTY foyer at the beginning of an evening is a rare sight. Then again, this evening doesn’t have a support act in the conventional sense. The three-part bill is more a cavalcade of equals, programmed to build towards the evening’s euphoric denouement.
Up first, in front of cabaret-style table seating of the stalls, is Rachel Sermanni. Gigging marathons have refined not only her playing and vocals, but communication with the audience with the songs benefitting from her warm and highly personal introduction. The dynamic range of the set from pin-drop acoustic to band on full throttle, where her voice can loosen and broaden, was an admirable showcase for songs that rank her among the best Scottish singer songwriters with feet planted equally in folk and pop-rock.
Adam Holmes & The Embers follow, a quiet start building to the swell of the full band. It’s an unfortunate bill in many ways for him. To be the filling in sandwich of Sermanni’s charm and the Treacherous sonic juggernaut doesn’t allow his blend of soulful folk-rock to bed in. Perhaps in isolation it resonates, but on this evening, it felt characterless in comparison.
Following two relatively low-key performances, Treacherous Orchestra was always going to take the roof off, but stacking the tables and chairs for a hooley was replaced by enthusiastic foot-tapping for most of the set. A low rumble introduced the 11-piece – an indication of the celtic invasion to come. The sheer force can be relentless, however, but tracks that slow the pace a little, such as Halcyon Day, allow more delicate playing to be heard through the subterranean bass.
It was an evening that showcased the quality and diversity of Scottish music, whatever label we choose to give it.
Lorraine Wilson
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