Meursault
Stereo, Glasgow
06/11/2010

It’s the last night of a two week tour for Edinburgh’s Meursault, and for whatever reason – be it logistics or preference – they’ve decided to cap things off in Glasgow. Despite rain of near biblical proportions, it ends up being a perfect pairing, not least because this is perhaps one of the finest performances this trailblazing collective have turned out all year.

A clumsy introduction aside, the loyal and hungry crowd welcome the band with open arms, lapping up every folky, glitch-soaked second of their swift Saturday night set. Amongst many others, the pulsating electronics of ‘Crank Resolutions’ and jarring rhythms of ‘William Henry Miller’ both turn out particularly triumphant tonight, coaxing nearly as many singalongs as ridiculous grins from the bustling Stereo masses. Cans are raised and cheers are belted out in full force – a reception and atmosphere that serves to push the band even further.

As well as shelter from nature’s wrath, tonight also presents an opportunity for Neil Pennycook and co. to debut a handful of new tracks that fit perfectly – ‘Flittin’ in particular – into a set of well-worn favourites for their first two albums. Pennycook’s signature howl commands and decorates an accomplished and dynamic performance that feels criminally short, clocking in at just about an hour, dictated by curfew.

However, making sure no one leaves here short changed – not that they would – Pennycook, ukulele in hand, takes to the crowd while everyone packs up behind him to deliver a beautiful version of ‘One Day This Will All Be Fields’, aided by a rapturous singalong on the choruses. It’s one of those rare moments of both strong community spirit and respect and it is one that lingers warmly, long into the miserable night.

Ryan Drever