I went out in the cold and the wind and the rain last night to support both the 13th Note and also the musical rock scene of Aberdeen. Really good turnout I thought even with headliners Purple Munkie having to cancel. So we were left with Nero and Maple. I was keen to see both as it’s been well over a year since I saw either of them, seeing as I moved to Glasgow and that.

So, Nero. I remember being pretty horrible about them the first time I saw them but damn me if they weren’t great this time. They had pop tunes, rock guitar, three-way singing, jokes, charm and dance routines. they were pretty much all over the place really but tremendous fun to watch, especially since the singer reminded me a bit of John from the Yummy Fur with his geeky looks and jerky dancing. but the songs are the main thing and Nero’s are stupidly infectious, or maybe infectiously stupid. the kids should love them.

Nero had reminded me how funny and crazy Maple were so I was all excited. there was something different going on though. Maple have really grown up in the last year and they’ve now got this serious practiced edge. the riffs are solid and loud, the vocals have lost the overt crazyness and it was all just sounding, well, professional. it took me about four songs to start getting to grips with this new version of Maple and then they only played maybe one more song and just stopped. so I hope they come back soon so I can give it another go.

I keep seeing John from bis and Aidan from Arab Strap in town. I want some different lo-fi glasgow rock stars to spot.

Oh aye, Mogwai are in Kerrang! this week with wee stuart right on form: “If you’re into Westlife, you’re fucked. You may as well get into crack”.