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Vic's Gigs: We Were Promised Jetpacks

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Paul McFadyen Paul McFadyen | 15:42 UK time, Monday, 23 August 2010

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Another gig report from Edinburgh as Vic Galloway takes in some more of the Edinburgh Festival fever. This time he's reporting on We Were Promised Jetpacks in action at The Liquid Room on Saturday 21st August.


In my job, the idea is to promote new Scottish talent across genres to as many people as possible. Over my 11 years of broadcasting, I've given airtime and opportunities to hundreds of artists, some of whom make it, while others sadly fall by the wayside. I've seen a few major success stories over the years, and like to think I've contributed in some way to their initial breakthrough. I'd count Franz Ferdinand, Snow Patrol, Biffy Clyro, Mylo, The Fratellis, Calvin Harris, King Creosote, Frightened Rabbit, Twin Atlantic, Aberfeldy, The Twilight Sad, The Phantom Band and many others in that number; but can now add another name to that list - We Were Promised Jetpacks.

Not only have I championed them since they were unsigned, but I've watched their gradual ascension from there to potential World-beaters. I've witnessed their visceral live show on many occasions and actually introduced them onstage twice in Austin, Texas at two Scottish showcase parties at the imfamous music conference. Their popularity is growing rapidly over the pond, and they're about to take to the road once again in support of US stadium emo-rockers Jimmy Eat World. Exciting times!

So, when I saw the Jetpacks were announced as playing The Liquid Room, newly opened after a major refurbishment for , I was impressed. Although they're starting to scale the dizzy heights in the USA, the level of hypebole and excitement around the band has been fairly muted in the UK and so they've just put their heads down and toured hard on the back of releasing an excellent debut LP, various singles and an EP. In many ways, this is the best scenario for a young band who want a lengthy career in music rather than 15 minutes of fame. But how would they fare in their hometown of Edinburgh in a rather large venue? The Liquid Room holds around 800 people, so for a local band to sell it out is quite an achievement. Not only did they sell it out, but with guests of friends, family and various musicians the place was bursting at the seams with anticipation as sweat literally dripped down the walls.

Following well-received support sets from and , Jetpacks took to the stage and let loose with a blast of delayed-guitar, white noise and feedback. From there it was very apparent this is a band who are extremely well drilled, having played 100s of shows across the United States and Europe. They are tight! As they hurtled through tracks from the powerful debut album 'These Four Walls', such as 'Quiet Little Voices', 'It's Thunder and it's Lightning', 'Ships with holes will sink' and 'Short Bursts', the masses pogo-ed on cue and sang along to every word. Encorporating 4 new songs which sounded slightly heavier and more dynamic, reminiscent of labelmates The Twilight Sad in places and possibly even Biffy Clyro in others, the future certainly looks bright for them.

With little inbetween song banter and no pomp or circumstance, the band seem utterly down-to-earth and devoid of ego, which I also think will help them long-term. Good guys with anthemic songs and a serious work-ethic can actually go places in this crazy world of rock'n'roll, so watch this space. Saturday 21st August 2010 will go down as a complete triumph for band, audience and Scottish music alike. Long may the Jetpacks continue!

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