PAWS
MILK @ Flat 0/1,

Glasgow

30/10/2011

Hallowe’en is a time for many things. A time for pumpkins; a time for ghouls and ghosts; a time for oversized females WD-40ing themselves into undersized nurse outfits. But perhaps most importantly, it is a time for fun. Good thing then that PAWS, headliners of tonight’s Halloween themed MILK show – a burgeoning presence in the Glasgow music circuit – are pretty much swimming in it.

They’re one of

Scotland’s most exciting grassroots bands, with their lo-fi, punky grunge not only succulent ear candy, but bang on trend too. Frontman Philip Taylor – tonight, Matthew, dressed as Courtney Love - is an engaging presence, and a bit of a musical antihero too, such is his lackadaisical, nonchalant aura. The blonde wig however only lasts mere minutes as it flops to the floor like a dead fish – thankfully the skirt manages to last the whole set – but hey, wigs are overrated anyway. Tracks like ‘Bloodline’ are galloping cuts showcasing genuine quality, but halfway through the set they announce that local drumming demigod Iain Stewart, best known for his blitzkrieg Bronto Skylift work, is to double up on the pots and pans. Two drum kits, lots of noise.

PAWS don’t need cameos, however, to impress – their stage show is usually good enough as it is – but it is a sweaty consummation of kindred spirits sure to set tongues wagging the morning after. ‘

Salem’ is a standout, spontaneously combusting into salacious surf-rock, and sums up what this is all about – fast, frantic, and fun.

Chris Cope