Broken Records can still play

Broken Records

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Review

Broken Records

Traditionally, January is one of the worst months for live music. But one of Edinburgh’s most promising bands, Broken Records at least threaten to lift some of the gloom from these sodden, freezing first few January days. Indeed, having supported indie giants Idlewild and the current darling of the Scottish music press The Twilight Sad, most involved in the scene are tipping Broken Records for real success over the coming year.

A seven-piece utilising instruments both classical and contemporary, their music ought best be described as a Scottish version of Arcade Fire with a touch of The Decemberists thrown in. Playing the Heriot Watt Student Union for the first time, from start to finish it's clear that Broken Records' big strength is their consummate musicianship. Never does one find the head count of seven band members to be self-indulgent: everything is in perfect sync – an achievement all the more impressive given the frenetic pace of much of their music. And yet Broken Records' skills with guitar, cello and trumpet might just be the band's one true problem: at times their sound might be better served emphasising Jamie Sutherland’s near enough stadium rock-like vocals.

Whether it is the freezing weather or the lingering effects of an overly merry New Year, the real problem tonight is the largely subdued audience. Such a disappointing turnout to see a band destined for exciting things over the next few months is surprising, and doubtless does little to enhance their performance. Surveying the poor turnout, lead singer of support band, The Kays Lavelle, quips: “I guess most of our fans will be at the Corn exchange watching James Blunt”. For the sake of Edinburgh music, one can only hope this isn't the case.

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