Dundee pop rock band Copper Lungs host a near sold out hometown show, as they celebrate in style with their latest single, ‘Life your way’.
Here was all of us thinking that Copper Lungs playing at Church on the 30th of August was going to be the come back show we dreamed of for the year, then Oasis just HAD to go one bigger (Sorry Copper Lungs).
The boys hit a very near sell out in Dundee, their first Dundee show in about 10 years, apparently and they brought James Liandu and The Joshua Hotel along for the ride.
James Liandu
A grafter in the Dundee music scene. You’ve probably seen him out busking in the city centre or at a gig somewhere in Scotland, he’s a busy bee. Last time I saw James he was opening for Murdo Mitchell in Dundee so it was great to finally see him with his new band. It was announced during their set that this was only their third gig together, they showed real promise.
Some really great harmonies, tasty drum fills and funky bass line, the band really amplify James and his sound. James has a lot of energy on stage and is super keen to get the audience involved. There was a very beautiful moment in the set where James played ‘Criminal’ and dedicated this to his good friend Nathan Bellshaw, who unfortunately was taken far too soon and was known and loved by many in the Dundee music scene.
“This is kinda a full circle moment. Copper Lungs are my favourite band and I was excited to move back from London to see them. I’m now opening for them, crazy!” – James.
The Joshua Hotel
Hailing from Highland, Scotland this trio travelled pretty far to play in Dundee and I am sure glad they did, a fantastic fit for the night’s line up! This may seem random but bear with me… if you imagine if The Kooks were a heavier guitar band and they collaborated with MGMT and both bands decided that funk inspired disco guitar was also to be included, then you may have some idea of what to expect from The Joshua Hotel. Despite technical difficulties the band rose to the occasion and smashed through their set, albeit maybe not in the same way they had hoped. they play to electronic backing tracks and have no life bassiest which I found really interesting. Guitarist Louis Slorach shows throughout the set just how versatile an instrument the Fender Telecaster while drummer Joshua Gilbert drives the tempo and groove from the stool. The Joshua Hotel give quirky indie rock festival vibes! Great fun to watch.
Copper Lungs
Reviewing a band you know personally is never easy but reviewing a band (in some type of form) you’ve known for 15 years and can call some members friends is even harder. I try very hard to not be biased but of course that isn’t always the easiest. I’m really proud to see what Copper Lungs pulled off on Friday night at their first Dundee headline show in almost 10 years. I have watched many variations of Copper Lungs over the years, some I’ve really liked and others not so much but what has remained consistent is front man Darren’s sheer passion for the band and the grind he’s put in.
Unfortunately, due to mega technical difficulties the band were on really late and I did fear they’d have to cut their set super short, others had to leave to catch buses home which was a real shame as they missed a passionate, energetic and fun set. The guys had poured their heart and soul into that night and it was evident that it meant a lot to them all, probably for very different reasons.
This particular show reminded me of old times, not just because it is always great to see Liam (bass) and Darren (lead vocals and guitar) work together, even after all these years but because Dundee showed up on mass. Musicians from bands gone by came to show support for one of Dundee’s own, bands supporting bands, there is a lot to be said for this. It’s a testiment to Copper Lungs for building and maintaining relationships with people even after time apart.
Darren asked the audience to raise hands if you’d seen the band before, there were plenty hands raised and cheers that echoed through Church. He then asked ‘Hands up if you have played in this band’ several hands in the audience were raised and the question was met with laughter. It’s not a secret that this band has adapted and evolved over the years but still they rise, show up and perform their best while remaining grateful to those supporting them to remain on the stage.
One of their singles, released recently, ‘falling’ explores Darren’s desire during COVID to quit on music, at a very difficult time during the pandemic for musicians it is very understandable that many gave up the faith. However if Darren had walked away, we wouldn’t have been stood in Church on a Friday night celebrating with Copper Lungs so I’m sure many would agree that we are glad that didn’t happen.
Darren (Lead Vocals and rhythm guitar), Liam Thomson (Bass), Inaxio Abecia (Lead guitar and BV), Evan Hill (Drums) and Steph Brand (BV) all owned the stage tonight. They were dressed to impress and ready to leave it all on the stage playing their old material and watching people dancing at the front and singing along you could see the subtle nod of approval between band members and the smiles on their faces throughout said it all.
Having gone early to see the band perform at Heartland Festival on Sunday and own opening up the Discovery Stage to be ‘fan favourites’ to appear main stage next year, it was good to see them in a room of friends, family and fans alike. The atmosphere alone can make or break a gig for the band and the fans but there was none of that here. Just a lot of love in one room, people having a good time and appreciating all the hard work the band had put into the set.
If you like indie/pop/rock bands such as Nothing But Thieves, 1975 and newer Biffy Clyro and are yet to listen to Copper Lungs and see a show, I certainly believe you should get looking them up and listening.
