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Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>

Welcome to Gathering Whispers’ first of many monthly gigs! Starring the likes of Three Blocks from the Wake, We are Trapped in Kansas and the one, the only, The Darien Venture. With a secured monthly slot at the cosy Captain’s Rest pub/venue for the foreseeable future, this night is only going to get bigger.

Never heard of any of those bands though? Don’t be surprised. Not many people have unless they went to University of the West of Scotland to study Commercial Music, as that’s where a large percentage of the band members originated. But despite their unknown status, these three bands are at the pinnacle of getting snapped up.

First up are Three Blocks from the Wake, who are in the process of closing a signed deal to the Gargleblast label – one of the most prominent Glasgow labels around. This band takes minimalism and gives it maximum impact.

Frontwoman Vicki Cole – who co-organises Gathering Whispers – strides on with top-hat on and synthesiser at

the ready. With the small downstairs room packed from front the back with eager music fans, she and fellow bandmates Gary and “Jono” kick off their electric sound with style.  Standing right in the middle of the room, it was impossible to miss almost the whole room bobbing their heads in appreciation. Playing an array of new songs to go on the soon-to-be-recorded album, Three Blocks used electric drumbeats and slow guitar tunes to subdue to crowd. They had an incredibly passive stage presence which worked in a reverse-psychological way to capture attention and keep it on them. They didn’t rely on a loud and fast sound to distract; it was the simple musical talent that turned heads.

After their slot was up, they bumbled off stage to an array of clapping and cheering. The room soon emptied with punters dashing upstairs to refill their cups before missing the next band. The atmosphere was surreally friendly, with many fans of one band knowing the fans of another. Low chatter could be heard all around whilst the next band prepped up.

The boys of We Are Trapped in Kansas now were on stage, stood front-forward and ready to go. Enough time had lapsed to have everyone back in and recharged for another bout of music.

With a similar speed of sound to Three Blocks, the boys smoothly entertained the crowd with crescendo-ing tunes and friendly chat. The boys even started singing the well-known “1.21 gigawatts” by Darien Venture which really excited the audience. With a definite similarity to Frightened Rabbit, Trapped in Kansas converted a few more fans during their slot. The mimicking body movements from the crowd continued throughout in beat with their tunes, and friendly banter was thrown back and forth from band to crowd.

Now, The Darien Venture played an absolutely smashing last set. With the majority of people knowing the lyrics to the main songs, they created a room filled with jumping, screaming, smiling appreciation. The drummer is one akin to the level of skill of Travis Barker, who beat the living hell out of his kit for this last half hour. Not to overshadow the perfectionist guitaring by the other three members however. With tracks containing beautiful harmonies, meaningful lyrics, talented solos by all the musicians and differing speeds and beats, The Darien Venture are absolutely on their way to being a big band with a big cult-status. Each song is hugely catchy, and had many members of the crowd singing along after the gig as they trudged the long road home.

As the night came to an end, all the bands were congratulated by fans and friends alike. People stayed behind to chat with the musicians, ask questions and to generally soak up what was left of the atmosphere. The evening came to a close with everything packed up and some people still inhabiting the bar upstairs. A definite success for the premier slot.

Gathering Whispers will take over Captain’s Rest again next month, date and bands to be confirmed. But if the calibre and skill of band playing is to remain the same then this is definitely a space to watch.