Film Review: Short Term 12 (15) (U.S.A. 2013) (Director: Destin Cretton), The Filmhouse Cinema Screen One, Edinburgh, Wednesday 20.11.2013, 20:30

This is a film I was curious about as was being very well received by critics with very little preemptive hype. It had been commented upon that this had taken critics by surprise, i.e. they were not being told beforehand that they should love it. I was further intrigued as it is set within a 'Foster Care Unit'. The film is classed as 'American Independent' and there really does appear to be no sops to hollywood.

This is an absorbing film with perfect performances across the board. It focuses upon a new kid moving into the foster unit and an older kid moving on from the unit, as well as focusing upon the stable staff group + their new member. Brie Larson plays the central adult part of the carer Grace who has her own difficulties from her past to contend with. Despite saying the performances are great across the board, Brie Larson does deserve particular mention as the wisened though tough gentle care giver. 

It feels very difficult to pinpoint why this film is so good, except to say that it has considerable depth in it's depiction of human communication. The film also treads a fine line and has a good balance of the shitty reality of these kids past and the possible positivity of their present and future due to the stable environment of the foster unit. It never feels overly hopeful or clawingly sweet allowing elements to have a good grounding in the real present. 

I have a sense that there are elements of this film that will stay with me for some time to come. I think this film serves as a positive reminder that at times it is enough to get from one day to the next with people who are a stable and consistent force in your life. This feels to be a very good portrayal of how unit's like this can a times be a good place for a child to be.

Rating: 10/10.  

        

Live Performance Review: Depeche Mode,  The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Monday 11.11.2013, 18:30

I previously saw Depeche Mode perform on the 12th of December 2009 in Hall 4 of the S.E.C.C.. 

There was support this time from 'The Jezebels' from Australia, who were nothing of note.

The two times I have seen Depeche Mode I have gone with the same friend. Although we had both enjoyed the previous performance, we both felt this to be a better concert. This is the first time I had been to a performance at the Hydro and it is certainly a better venue than the S.E.C.C., though that aint exactly hard. The sound appeared better and the shape of the spacing was improved. 

Both the group and the audience appeared more into it this time than last, which may reflect more upon a shift in where the group feel themselves to be. The volume of the audience's singing that 'dancing Dave' managed to encourage out of them was of a startling nature even by wegie standards. The group's use of screens and lighting was very impressive and assisted in adding to the diverse nature of the set performed. 

The set list was a very good balance from across earlier albums and the new album from this year, 'Delta Machine'. They played about half of the 'Violator' (1990) album, a couple of songs from each of 'Playing the Angel' (2005), 'Songs of Faith & Devotion' (1993) (including one of my favorite songs 'I Feel You'), 'Music for the Masses' (1987) & 'Black Celebration' (1986) as well as early classics such as 'Just Can't Get Enough'. 

Depeche managed a fantastically sustained show, fitting in 20 songs into a couple of hours on stage, I have now heard Depeche perform all of my favorites of theirs bar one. I cannie grumble. 

This gig showed me the jubilant euphoria I have been used to seeing in footage of Depeche performing. I am aware that Depeche Mode are not to everyone's tastes, with some seeing them to be a bit on the dark side. Though if you appreciate the Mode and are thinking of seeing them, I would happily recommend, and hopefully you could experience a show as good as Monday eve's.

Rating: 10/10.             

Film/Live Performance Review: Let's Go Adventure (15) (Director: Douglas King), The Filmhouse Cinema Screen One, Edinburgh, Wednesday 06.11.2013, 21:00

This was originally meant to be held in Screen Two. I was delighted on the night to see it had been moved to the cinema's biggest screen, Screen One.

This was a screening of two short films co-written by and starring Josie Long. For the uninitiated Josie is one of my favorite comedians and further back in my blog you can find a review of a performance of hers on Tuesday 14.08.2012.

The short films are called 'Let's Go Swimming' & 'Romance and Adventure'. Both are set in Glasgow, a place Josie acknowledges she idealises. The first is tinged by a melancholic pathos, and the second is a very enjoyable tale of flatmates who are best buddies with an unspoken love of each other.

Josie also complemented the short-films by doing a spot of stand-up comedy between the two films. This was a pleasant surprise as was not part of the advertised details. This enabled a very nice balance by presenting what she is venturing into alongside what she is known for and more practiced in.

The films themselves were very enjoyable, and they do not appear vanity projects in any way. Josie along with the same director and actors already used in these shorts, are now venturing into making a feature length thing which I look forward to.

Josie and the director also did a Q&A after the two films were screened. This though really is mere detail. Josie is someone who I find reassuringly intelligent, and whom I feel has such a vivacious and effervescent character, I know I have a massive grin on my face as soon as she appears on stage.

It was an absolute joy to see Josie again. I felt spoiled getting to both see her in 'films' and perform live.

Rating: 09/10.

(+ I got to meet Josie afterwards).      

Live Performance Review: Pokey LaFarge, Liquid Room, Edinburgh, Tuesday 05.11.2013, 19:00

There was fantastic support from 'The Tillers', a trio from Cincinnati. There music is stated as being a mix of traditional folk, bluegrass and jazz. Very enjoyable showmen and captivating musicianship. A group I would happily see doing a full set, though very pleased to have been introduced to live via this support slot. I was impressed enough that I purchased their new album 'Hand on the Plow' at the merchandise stand. It's very rare a support slot peaks my interest to this extent.   

I had previously seen Pokey and his group 'The South City Three' at the Bongo Club in Edinburgh on Friday 23.03.2012. They put on a fabulous show that night. They hale from St. Louis and play what I am finding described as 'Americana, Early Jazz, Ragtime For String Instruments, Country Blues, Western Swing, Vaudeville, Appalachian Folk'. 

This time they were complemented by a two piece brass section and had a larger stage to perform on. Pokey and his band displayed fantastic musicianship, looked dapper and sharp, had grand banter and were ably supported by an up-for-it sing-along-a crowd. Absolute fun. What more could you want for a cracking evening.    

Despite the entire band sounding and appearing flawless, I have a soft-spot for the gent on Harmonica, Snare Drum & Washboard, a Mr. Ryan Koenig. His harmonica playing is quite outstanding and his extremely expressive face is a joy to watch.

Rating: 10/10.    

Live Performance Review: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Friday 01.11.2013, 18:30

This was a slightly parred down version of the bad seeds with there only being six musicians accompanying Nick. There is not much point in describing their music as they are pretty well known even if just by virtue of having been around so long. 

The set was approximately 2 Hours and 10 Minutes with a great range of old, very old and new songs, and within this a lovely mix of more gentle pieces alongside balls-out rockers. It was fantastic to hear quieter songs such as 'Into My Arms' & 'God Is In The House'. All involved are consummate musicians and showmen. Nick was hamming it up brilliantly for the crowd who were lapping it up. 

This is the third time I've seen Nick and the Seeds live, having seen them twice in 2008 when they were touring the Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! album, and I've never felt disappointed in any way with the display. Tonight was no exception. A fantastic evening. 

Rating: 10/10. 

(I Have been having a fantastic run of live performances, that's five in a row being tens or better).