Tonight was a venture to one of the most obscure gig venues I’ve ever been to. The Victorian Toilets of Aberdeen were built in the late 19th century and were in use as recently as 2000. Aberdeen City Council recently invested in the preservation of these historic facilities and are now part of Wild Goose at Union Terrace Gardens. It is known that bathrooms and toilets have incredible acoustics, so it was about time there was a gig in one.
I challenge you to tell me of a classier visit to a room of toilets. The area was adorned in fairy lights and opener Myles Campbell crooned his way through classics from the 40s, 50s & 60s. Highlights from his set included That’s Amore, Blue Velvet, If I Can Dream and Fly Me to the Moon. I would love to see him step it up a notch with a full band behind him, giving the full Michael Buble experience.
Next was another fantastic voice in the form of Eeviee, who sang jazz and soul favourites warming the crowd up before the bands took to the stage/toilets. Her rendition of Aretha Franklin’s (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Women really showcased the power and skill of her voice. It would be intriguing to see what she could achieve if she put pen to paper and created her own material.
Beachgrove were the first true test of the acoustics being the first full band of evening. Although they may be young, they are mighty in their sound and performance exuding confidence beyond their years. Showcasing a range of influences, particularly from the 90s/2000s alt-rock eras, they played a range of tracks from their recently released debut EP, ’Self Titled’.
After Beachgrove it was time to vibe out to Autohuman. They played a mix of songs and instrumentals bringing a laid-back funk and jazz sound to the evening. Another showcase of incredible musicality with the band members truly in-sync with each other from start to finish.
Finally it was time for the headliners of the night who managed to sell out the first ever gig in the Victorian Toilets. The Adel Gomez Band took to the toilets and started with a bang, opening with fan favourite, Fake It Til You Make It. Throughout the set they showcased a range of styles with blues and funk influences exploring recent and future releases. Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for new single ‘Not My Style’.
Another highlight was hearing their first song written in their new line up, Normal Life Is Boring, which showed their true potential of what they could achieve together as a group. The level of talent has only improved since my last time seeing them live with the audience firmly on their side and having the best time during their set. The crowd were so enthusiastic that they received not one, but two encores. And what else is there to do when you’ve played all your material but to bring out Free Bird. Exceptional stuff.
If you like talented musicians, grooves to get your hips moving, catchy melodies and a good time, The Adel Gomez Band will be right up your street. And as for the venue? If there were to be an elevated stage of some sort added to the performance area for all the short folks, it’s a big thumbs up from me!
Enjoy tracks from some of the acts in the playlist below!