Gluecifer

Standing in the 250-capacity university venue I'm amazed, shocked and astonished. I’m witnessing one of the most exciting new bands to emerge from Sweden ever in full chaotic flow, tearing through a set that contorts the Swedish garage rock mould into a gloriously eclectic feast of maniacally-delivered vocals, sensuous dynamics and sagacious intricacy and there’s no more than 30 people present. Seriously, I could’ve cried at the fact that less capable bands, focussing on one small aspect of Division of Laura Lee’s incredible sound could sell out the adjacent 2000-capacity Academy two nights running while a mere handful are present tonight. It just doesn’t seem right somehow.

Whatever. I guess they have to start somewhere and despite the lack of people present Division of Laura Lee put on a truly storming performance, vocalist Per kicking and bending himself around the stage like a madman while explosive songs like ‘We’ve Been Planning This For Years’ _and ‘Access Identity’ _are fired out with precision.

The pace slows down slightly for ‘Trapped In’ _where bassist Jonas’s soft vocals provide a refreshing change of atmosphere in the set. As Per introduces ‘Black City’_ with the words “this is probably the best song ever written” it’s said tongue-in-cheek but, ironically, as the controlled guitar strums lead into the song before the chorus bursts out with the lines “If common sense means no control, you’ve got it all”, sung by Jonas while Per continues his impressive gurning moves behind, you start to think, well, it’s maybe not the best song ever written but man, it’s a strong contender!

By the end of the set the band look like they’re about to explode, especially Per, having evidently given it they’re all tonight. Guitar’s are slung to the floor and drummer Håkan purposely jumps through his drumkit to get out. Their job is done. Looking at the faces scattered round the venue, stunned, flabbergasted looks are coupled with numerous “f**k me!”s at a performance that was nothing short of incendiary.

You will be hearing a lot more from this band, oh yes.

Up next was Norway’s finest rock n roll pioneers Gluecifer. But due to the incredible set that preceded them you knew it was gonna be hard to beat. However, with a vocalist that wouldn’t look out of place in a jazz-swing band from Detroit his gravelly touch soon converted me. Although the room was far from packed those few present gave a brilliant response, having evidently anticipated the timely return of these Scandinavian kings of rock.

Unlike most gigs I’ve been to where afterwards you see waves of people leaving, merely content with just another gig, tonight was different. Not one person left without a big wide-eyed smile and a costly visit to the merchandise stand, having finally witnessed rock masters Gluecifer and exciting new-comers to the throne Division of Laura Lee. Let’s hope next time they get the massive reception they so rightly deserve!