Tijuana Bibles & Forest Fires – The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen – 07/02/15
Tijuana Bibles, supported by local band Forest Fires were the draw of the night. We’d been looking forward to this show for some time – SB first saw Tijuana Bibles at Wickerman and told me (DS) about them – his photos looked interesting enough to make me pay attention and when they played Belladrum later in the summer, I made sure I was there to see them.
Aberdeen band, Forest Fires, provided able support for the evening and really pulled in an early crowd – it was nice to see so many folk there early on. This was, I think, the first time we’d seen them since they played GoNorth last year. So, a steady start to the evening was had but tonight, for us at least, it was all about seeing the ‘Bibles back in the city.
Tijuana Bibles played Aberdeen early in November as support to the Alabama 3, and we spent so long chatting to their lead after their set, we missed most of the main act. So, we were glad they were returning as headliners.
The more we hear their music, the more we enjoy it (it’s a band that is really grown on me -DS). It’s an interesting mix of things – there’s rock, and you can hear blues in there too, as well as a kind of spaced out sound (the guitar work can sound almost Sitar-like at times – have a listen to their Sun Chaser single – it’s a thumper – and you’ll see what I mean) that you’d maybe expect from a 60’s band hopped on drugs.
They call it Neo-Psychedelic Rock ‘n’ Roll – I think it’s maybe nearer the sort of bluesy rock you’d get in the deep southern USA overall but it does have some psych overtones at times.
Their frontman, Tony Costello, moodily stomps about the stage, looking like he’s trying to find something to hit or kick, all dark and gloomy – talk to him off stage and he’s lovely though. Every so often he straps on a guitar and calms down a bit – and when he’s not ‘shouting at you all’ (his words) he also has a really good, tuneful voice. Oh, and when thrown just right, tambourines can REALLY bounce high.
The kick-off their hour long set with Crucifixion, then Toledo which gets the crowd of maybe 200 or so in the mood for the rest of their performance.
Tony dons a guitar for Sun Chaser, their new single, which slows his moody stomping about for a while. They end the set with their anthem, Wild River which includes the standard drummer on his stool signature move and brings their short set to a close. Its been a good night, lets hope they can manage to come back to the city soon. Maybe even with an album to sell us (oh, yes please – DS).
As a somewhat related aside, Glasgow is producing some really great bands and music right now and has some excellent venues – it’s exciting times there and really makes me wish I lived closer – DS.
Lineup:
Tony Costello – Lead Vocals/guitar
James Brannigan – Lead guitar
Behn Cross – Bass
Mikey Dornan – Drums
Set list: Crucifixion, Toledo, 6-12, Sun Chaser, Ghost Dance, Cactus (cover), Runnin’ Red Fruit, Wild River.
Words and images by Dark Secret and Still Burning.
flickr gallery of Tijuana Bibles images from the night can be found here, and Forest Fires here.
Tijuana Bibles website
Forest Fires facebook
