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Peatbog Faeries

Venue: The Grand
Town: Clitheroe
Date: 1/11/13
Website: http://www.peatbogfaeries.com/

On a cold foggy night driving up the A59 my little sister who was my chauffeur for the evening said to me in the car, "They had better be good, making me drive in this". I have wanted to see the Peatbog Faeries for some time, having heard through the folky grapevine that they were good. We made it to the Grand, being so lucky to get a parking space right outside; I thought this is going well so far.

On entering the venue the place was packed what a great concert venue, with a raised seating area to the back of the hall and a more than adequate standing area at the front of the stage. The bars situated to the back right of the hall, all very contemporary with added features at the bar with a glass waterfall behind it, all adding to the ambience of the venue. We met up with extended family and there was an air of excitement in the room that we were going to witness something special. I was not wrong Peatbog Faeries took to the stage in a haze of smoke and great lighting effects. They took no prisoners they launched into an impressive set of tunes that had us all dancing along from the outset.

I looked at my sister midst jigging about, her eyes were shining and she shouted "these are brilliant", nodding my head in agreement we moved further into the folky mosh pit thoroughly enjoying it.

The quality of the musicianship was second to none Peter Morrison fantastic on the Pipes and whistle (not at the same time) I hasten to add, but a great frontman. Innes Hutton In a kilt playing funky bass lines, on his fluorescent guitar was a highlight for me and most ladies in the audience. Tom Salter on lead guitar his personality really shone through his playing, he was up and down that fret board making the crowd go wild in his solo spot. Ross Couper has to be the best fiddle player I have ever seen. I don't say that lightly coming from a family of Irish traditional fiddle players but this guy has to be witnessed in action he is totally awesome. My stand out tracks of the night, The Ranch a new one totally energetic tune had the crowd jigging along, Sambuca Tune which Ross features heavily and shows his flair and great style on the fiddle, Room 205 and the Naughty Step. I have to confess though every tune played was fantastic, the fact I was dancing so much meant I often did not note the set list.

With Stu Haikney on Drums driving the rhythm along with Graeme Stafford on Keyboard making quirky noises at one point it sounded like The Orb meets Scottish Traditional all blending beautifully together giving a fantastic dance vibe coupled with the great light effects making all the ingredients for a truly fantastic gig which has definitely made it into my top 5 gigs of all time. These guys are world class musicians each one brings it to the table; they serve it up and make you dance till your feet ache. They combine techno, funk, and dance, heavily laced with Scottish traditional music and put their own interpretation on it. It is easy to see why they have been voted Scotland's best "Live act of the Year" twice running, at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. A blinding two hours later I was completely blown away by the high standard and energy they showcased.

Three albums bought and signed by the band in the foyer après gig only confirmed what I already thought, a great bunch of guys, and fantastic musicians who made time for their fans and happy to chat to them. I only wish we could have stayed for the after party, an early start was beckoning. One thing is certain I will definitely be tailoring my festival attendance around Peatbog Faeries next

Carla Farrar
Photocredit Neil King (Not taken at gig)