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Augustines, Summerhall, Edinburgh

  • Written by  Dani Gibson

 


It's the start of the Edinburgh Festival this month (the largest arts festival in the world in case you weren't already aware) and what better way to kick start the festivities than hearing the bone chilling anthemic sounds of indie-rock sensations, Augustines.

Summerhall is lit up in twilight, setting up the mood for support act Adam Stafford who comes on stage with his own rendition of mesmerising, atmospheric acoustic folk. Gearing up the already filling crowd, Stafford puts on a very hypnotic show whilst some of the brash Scots cheer on the Falkirk born musician. 

The venue is now getting very close and personal for the main event with the place jam packed in minutes. Cue the switch off of the lights, Summerhall is dark and the crowd are sent into an immediate frenzy once they see the Brooklyn trio making their way on stage and diving straight into the first track, 'Headlong Into The Abyss'. 

Showing off his vocal skills, lead man Billy McCarthy is not in any way shy and belts out the lyrics making sure we all know what's in store. The crowd are pumped with their smart phones to hand snapping and videoing glimpses of this energetic set. Even with some of the much slower tracks like 'Now You Are Free', the trio still manage to put as much energy into it and keep the crowd happy. It starts with that anthemic build up on the piano and leads into some serious power guitar riffs and vocals, so much that the crowd are pumped and chanting along. Not something unusual for an Augustines set. 

If you are new to the Augustines, then it doesn't really matter as each gig is so emotionally exhausting you'll be very much invested with the guys by the fourth track. 

Other songs played early on were the bone chilling 'Chapel Song', crowd bating 'Ballad Of A Patient Man', sanctified 'Augustine' and the emotional feelings of 'Juarez'. A perfect mix of classic Augustines. This then lead into the guys blethering with the crowd and getting the Scots vote with the usual Scottish banter, from fried Mars bars to Saltires. If the crowd weren't already pumped enough, this got them going full throttle.

Later songs came from the band's second LP Augustines as well as "oldy" crowd favourite 'Book Of James'. By this point the guys are dripping with sweat, especially McCarthy who has been right into the thick of the music from the start. But it's not all McCarthy's energy that comes out on stage, guitarist Eric Sanderson runs about like he's on fire so much it's a hit and miss to see him. 

Now it's time for the first of tonight's encores. Typical Augustine style to milk the encore but who cares when the fans want it. 'Weary Eyes' is a personal favourite, and after McCarthy pondering on what they'll play next he settles on an acoustic version to which everyone is singing along. This is the pivotal point and 'The Avenue' and 'New Drink For the Old Drunk' are the way to go out ... For the third time. Suddenly it's only drummer Rob Allen on stage readying up the crowd before he disappears and ends up on the balcony with the other two, milking it for all it's worth. The trio head out with a room full of blissfully happy fans cheering them on. 

If you're in two minds about these guys, don't be. New or old fans, you don't want to miss a night out with Augustines. They make you feel alive and in the moment. They take away your inhibitions and for those couple of hours in time you feel more alive than ever. 

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