Highwatters, ABC2, 27.7.07

Indie rock's still with us, it's just hanging back in the shadows a little. Thank the current popularity of whiny shite for keeping bands like Highwatters confined to wee, dingy venues like the ABC 2. If they'd been doing the rounds four or five years ago these guys would have been all over the place.

Don't get me wrong, they're not about to set the world on fire, but they're competent musicians with good, solid tunes, and they could do with a bit of recognition for it.

As the band runs through a set of straightforward, no-nonsense rock songs, it's plain to see that everyone onstage is enjoying themself immensely, which is always endearing. The crowd seems to be rather less into it, forming a polite semi-circle and clapping along when prompted, but not really engaging much more than that. It's a shame, as Highwatters have songs you can really dance to.

They could go some meatier basslines, though, truth be told, just to give their sound a little punch. As it stands it's not terribly distinctive, and only the wailing antics of their singer really set them apart. There's more than a touch of Franz Ferdinand about them, but I mean that in the nicest possible way.

Check out Indie Girl and see if your feet aren't moving by the end of it, though be aware that it sounds about a thousand times better live than it does on the recording offered by the band's MySpace page.

[bettyson]

hi, I feel your review was not as good as it could have been. I, among, a lot of other people, were at the ABC gig and Highwatters were by far the better act all night; they had the biggest crowd and we never heard one bad word about the band, their songs or any member of the band being just like other bands. There was a good buzz about the place and although most of the folk were at the back, the atmosphere was well good. I agree though that the singer is top notch but so are the songs.

[Woolies]

The ABC2 has murdered every band I've ever seen there.

It should be kept for bands on the way down who can carry a show on nostalgia of their previous gigs rather than anyone wanting to impress potential new fans.

[Potatojunkie]

Originally Posted by bettyson

hi, I feel your review was not as good as it could have been.

You're right there. Always room for improvement. If I ever start thinking otherwise I want to be shot immediately.

Originally Posted by bettyson

I, among, a lot of other people, were at the ABC gig and Highwatters were by far the better act all night; they had the biggest crowd and we never heard one bad word about the band, their songs or any member of the band being just like other bands.

I'm not sure what you're disagreeing with here, as I never said anything about them sounding just like other bands. They're similar to a lot of bands, but then most bands are. It's how bands go.

What I heard, from a few folk afterwards, was "they were all right", which I thought was a little unfair.

Originally Posted by bettyson

There was a good buzz about the place and although most of the folk were at the back, the atmosphere was well good.

Depends what you're looking for in a gig. Me, I like to dance.

Originally Posted by bettyson

I agree though that the singer is top notch but so are the songs.

The songs could go a little more depth, but this is one of those 'personal opinion' issues, and you should bear in mind that I'm listening to Depeche Mode right now.

[Silvershair]

I have seen highwatters a few times and they always put on a good show.

To Bettyson, I think the reviewer was trying to get across is that yes the band are good but that the venue isn't the greatest and they should be playing at slightly bigger and better venues.