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A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
Photos by James Murison Photography – https://jamesmurison.smugmug.com/
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Aberdeen always loves a Little Kicks gig, and why wouldn’t we?! They are an excellent local band. This is their first Lemon Tree appearance since 2017 and their only Aberdeen date of the year so it was not to be missed! Unfortunately I did miss that last concert but was at their Put Your Love In Front Of Me album launch in 2013. I also bought the digital download Straight Outta Mannofield which they contributed their song Ruminations to, in aid of the Mannofield Explorer Scouts. It is also on their newest album People Need Love, which was available to buy last night – along with some other ace merchandise including bibs! Nice wee nod to some of the band members being Dads.
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Ross Dillon and his guitar started the evening off with a set featuring songs: Reservations at Three, Song for Rose (for Rose Tyler of Doctor Who) and his newest song Crystal Vision.
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Rival Saints were next up and played an upbeat set including The Death Of The Night and finishing with their latest single Everybody Knows. The sound let them down a bit, or maybe it was just where we were standing but, we could not make out the words. I’ve just subscribed to their Youtube though, their videos are as funky as the singer’s look and their lyrics are worth a listen.
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Next up was more local talent The Capollos, not their first time supporting the Kicks either. It was their first gig with their new guitarist Ben, now that Kyle is concentrating on the all important lead singer role. Not that you would have known there was a new band member, they played well together. The set included Electrify and Addiction and will hopefully keep me going for the rest of the year as that was their last gig of the year! As bouncy and fun as last time I reviewed them in 2021 when they were the headliners at Drummonds.
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All night the crowd had been gathering, Ross’ audience had been scarce – but did include the Capollos and Little Kicks band members as well as a few more of us that know that support bands can turn into headliners, we all need to start somewhere! By the time the Capollos finished their set the Lemon Tree was buzzing and the bar queue was sizable.
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The Little Kicks took to the stage without any more of a build up, just walked on, got their instruments, took their places, then the lights came back on and the music kicked off. Their set was a good mix of their older classics and the newer album’s songs. We were treated to Don’t Get Mad Get Even, Put Your Love In Front Of Me, Goodbye Enemies Hello Friends, You and Someone Like Me amongst others. Steven told us – in-between singing, playing guitar and creating magic with his electronic box of tricks – that it was super to be back at the Lemon Tree. He was relieved to just play a gig that was not a launch or included a quartet, it was just the band and their songs. This was certainly a recipe for the evening which the audience responded to, dancing and singing and just having a glorious time.
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There are still tickets available for Nothing Ever Happens Here Fringe, in Summerhall, Edinburgh, if you want to catch The Little Kicks next month, with some great other acts including Withered Hands and Kathyrn Joseph. Otherwise, stand by with the rest of us until their grace our stages – or swimming pools – again!
Further information: https://www.thelittlekicks.co.uk/
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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