Astral Planes/ Cancel the Astronauts @Tut’s 24/07/10

The brief, self-penned descriptions of the Cancel the Astronauts band members on their Myspace are worryingly accurate, vocalist Matthew Riley somehow manages to pull off a rather fetching pair of red trackies.

Bassist Neil Davidson’s description simply reads ‘bass and height’ which is more than accurate as he ambles onstage, stooping out of necessity.

Guitarist Kieran McCaffrey and drummer Chris Kay look like they’re at the wrong gig. The position of McCaffrey’s guitar on his person (tickling his kneecaps) harks back to the short-lived golden era of embarrassing nu-metal circa 2000. Kay has boldly opted for the wifebeater vest and fingerless gloves combo.

Appearances aside, the Edinburgh five-piece are undoubtedly highly talented musicians with a confident, vibrant and frantic sound.

‘Intervention’, described by Riley as “a dancing song”, is a perfect example. McCaffrey’s spritely hammer-ons are aptly complemented by Kay’s impressive high hat work, a pounding bass line and Riley’s pomp and vigour on rhythm guitar. Synth player Michael Craig’s siren-like keys underpin the song and hold everything together.

‘Let’s Go Expo’ builds cleverly from a sombre, nostalgic intro to an energetic finish which is lapped up appreciatively by the crowd. The only possible negative to be found in the band’s repertoire is a tendency to employ “root-note Sally” bass lines.

On a visual level,  Astral Planes are wildly different. My eyes light up as I spy what looks like Reggae sensation and devout hacidic Jew Matisyahu shuffling onstage for an impromptu performance, turns out it’s just the Planes’ road manager checking the mics.

There was to be Jewish reggae tonight, as Planes take a completely different image from their manager, guitarist Chris “Chad” Haddow’s glorious locks and penchant for polo necks, wouldn’t be out of place on a Byrds album cover.

Planes fly out of the blocks and plunge straight into a rendition of ‘Shut the Door’ that’s as tight as a young nun. ‘Diamond Diner’ is the best showcase of their razor sharp yet delightfully unkempt and rough-edged sound. Jen Paley’s manic, Karen O-esque vocals sit rampantly astride an unashamedly rudimentary guitar riff, crashing cymbals and raucous full-band singing in unison.

The girl from the Garden State’s bewitching stage presence simply commands attention. She embodies the evident sense of enjoyment and enthusiasm within the band as Astral Planes saunter through their set with understandable swagger.

Fraser McFadzean’s engaging bass lines and Chad’s inventive licks leave the crowd unable to do anything except nod along with a coy smirk plaster on their faces. Planes have a unique surly, brooding vibe about them and are certainly one to keep watching out for.

Astral Planes are playing Belladrum on 6 August

Words: Neale McDonald
Pics: Simon Jones