Tom Gray, Gomez

Before, I imagine if you were invited to party in Bathgate you’d turn it down? All is changing however as new venue ‘The Attic’ brings the best new bands and big names in music into the limelight. Playing this sunny Sunday evening is Gomez’s Tom Gray as he embarks on a solo acoustic tour: support comes from The Stagger Rats, The Hardcore Wednesdays and Kerrie Lynch.

First up is the very apt and fellow acoustic performer Kerrie Lynch. Kerrie begins her set with no stage lights on, but makes brightness through the power of her songs. Kerrie’s voice is very beautiful: laced with meaning, strength and grace Kerrie’s vocals showcase all that is good about a solo performance. Kerrie’s style of song writing is clearly very personal, a passionate round up of her own life: with great songs and great talent, Kerrie’s set in The Attic this evening is extremely well-played.

Unlike Tom Gray and Kerrie Lynch, The Stagger Rats don’t do acoustic, The Stagger Rats do loud! The Stagger Rats are a band I currently can’t get enough of: funky, cool and brilliantly unique, these boys are officially one of Scotland’s best unsigned bands. The Stagger Rats combine a modern pop-rock style with a glamorous antique feel of T Rex and Alex Harvey, with vocals so intriguing each song feels like a brand new chapter in the set.

Because there is no green room or back stage in our cosy hosting venue, Tom Gray appears on stage straight from behind the sound desk. Everyone by this point is very rowdy, and despite many humorous attempts, Tom fails to quieten the audience for his acoustic set. Tom Gray plays Gomez tracks without the rest of his band, but lacking nothing for it: full-bodied and intense, the set captures every gorgeous moment from Gomez’s decades of success.

Tom Gray is just one of many big and brilliant acts The Attic in Bathgate have lined up. With many more to be announced, Bathgate will soon be a town for Scottish music lovers to embrace. For full listings and details, visit www.facebook.com/atticbathgate.