Gig review: I Hear Echoes, Mayhew, Super Civilian @ The Granary

DURING the annual Leith Festival, 150 events are given a home in 50 of Edinburgh's best venues.

The talents of the city's hopefuls is put on show in the best way possible; more often than not, a night out during these nine days ends in crowds being stunned by what they never knew was right under their noses, and last night at The Shore's Granary was no exception.

First onstage was five-piece band I Hear Echoes. With their sound described as classic rock on their MySpace profile, it was a little surprising to see a violin player amongst their members, but it didn't sell the band any less.

Within the first three songs, the waves of country fusion poured from the amps, giving them a sound that isn't heard much around the Edinburgh music scene. Things really started to kick off for them though with their fourth song. The vocals were husky yet crisp, and the guitar solo by electric axe-man Andy Mac was outstanding.

I Hear Echoes have only been going for the last year but there is definitely something there and the future looks bright.

Next up, something a little different, setting the night into a more mellow and steady pace. Mayhew, a band that consists of two acoustic guitars, a cello and a towering female vocalist, brought the room to a quiet stand-still with their haunting lyrics and ambient melodies.

The forty-five minutes that they were onstage were enjoyable. One criticism for the lead singer – and only a small one at that – is that her calming voice was far too quiet against that of the music being played by her fellow bandmates. All in all, their sound was compelling and they easily filled the shoes of the previously booked Silhouettes.

Last but by no means least, something very unexpected in the form of Super Civilians. Four talented boys with personal influences a million miles away from those of the previous two bands – nevermind their sound.

All at once, the room erupted with heavy sound and catching vocals from Stuart Whyte, the talented musicianship of the entire band bursting through with an incredible power.

It was interesting to see the crowd accept the foursome as they did, what with the frequent acoustic sounds from the previous bands.

Super Civilians is a band that needs attention paid to them – enjoy them now in small, quiet venues before they burst out onto the more alternative side of the Edinburgh music base!

For those at The Granary, it would have been without a doubt one of the most eclectic nights out they'd had out in a while, hopefully enjoyed. If this is even half of what Leith Festival promises from it's events, Edinburgh is onto a very good thing. If you haven't yet caught any shows, you have four days in which to do so.


Your Review: 'Next time I'll try to see more acts'

Margaret Ross, 34, care worker, Leith: "I was here for the quiet music, but stayed and enjoyed the last band. They're probably something that my kids would like, so it goes to show there's something for everyone going on in Leith for the festival. This is the first of anything I've seen but I'll make sure next time that I don't waste the week and try to see more acts."

Ben Carl, 19, student, Leith:

"Having something like this on my doorstep is amazing. I usually go further into Edinburgh or even to Glasgow to see music, but when I've got some of the best local bands playing a five-minute walk from my flat, obviously I'm pretty chuffed and try to get along to as many as I can. I love it."

Katy Miller, 22, student, Meadows:

"It's a shame that Silhouettes couldn't play. The first I knew of it was when I showed up tonight and I was disappointed, but I decided to stay and I was really surprised at who else was on and also the band playing instead of Silhouettes. The line-up was a bit strange but nobody seemed to mind."