The Accolades return with stellar set at Tunnels in Aberdeen.
There’s little better than a local gig with a returning band. I had the pleasure of attending The Accolades first gig back after a 10 month hiatus at Tunnels in Aberdeen. They were supported by local bands The Planet Hour and Sonnet. As an opener, Sonnet impressed massively. Taking an inspiration from bands like The Verve, Oasis, and Ride, they are a very welcome addition to the Aberdeen scene. The Planet Hour impressed too with a truly special set filled with catchy folk anthems, ones that have since gone into my playlist.
The main event, The Accolades, were next, having only seen them a year prior at Cafe Drummonds, I was excited for their return. Opening with an unreleased track, it provided exactly what I had missed. It was loud and in your face, met with echoes of ‘here we go’ from the crowd. A strong lead guitar line and a catchy chorus and build, it was a sweaty start. Longer Days, brighter than the first yet captivating same high energy feel as first track. Lead Guitarist, Kai Niven straight away caught my attention with the high energy and talents of a top professional. Weaving through some unreleased material the band continued to impress. This time provided a sing along for the packed Tunnels. From the breakdown, to the solo, with the band interaction, and the happiness as they play it, it was definitely one of the stand-outs of the night. Followed by a cover of Lonely Boy by The Black Keys to keep the crowd’s vocals warm.
The band were able to take a much deserved breather as frontman Steven played an ‘acoustic’ one (played on the electric guitar) called Pictures. The track was posted on their Instagram earlier in the year, featuring a neat little rhythm and Steven’s raspy vocals, it’s flawless. It’s very reminiscent of Catfish and The Bottlemen and is a must see:
The best way to get a crowd going after a quiet number? A cover of Shut Up and Drive by Rhianna is definitely up there! It’s one of those guilty pleasure tracks that you find yourself screaming along to and it went down a treat for the crowd. Bassist Reece was involved with some excellent vocals – throughout the entirely of the set too – which again showcases the limitless talent within the band. Some more unreleased material followed, which all featured the same energy and sound that the band showed throughout the entirety of their set.
To end the show they played their fan favourite Inhale which was much to the crowd’s pleasing. The track features snappy drums, distorted lead lines, and epic vocals. Bringing the curtain down on a fantastic night of live music.
There’s an indescribable aura around The Accolades. The voice of frontman Steven is undoubtedly one of the best in the whole of the Scottish scene, add that to the limitless talents of the band and you have a ready made arena filling indie rock band. Thanks to Tunnels, The Accolades, The Planet Hour and Sonnet!
Check out all the band’s social media pages and stream their releases below.
