one4review | On 02, Jan 2025

On a night, apocalyptic weather has descended with such ferocity that one might imagine being swept away, much like Dorothy in the opening scenes of The Wizard of Oz. The tempestuous conditions seem almost prophetic, as the city prepared to cancel its traditional Hogmanay outdoor events in the days ahead.

Meanwhile, within the opulent safety of the Voodoo Rooms Ballroom, Black Cat Bone are bidding farewell to the year with a rousing hometown performance. For this formidable foursome, 2024 has been a standout year. Their latest album, Tales Of The Amplified, released on the revered Scottish independent label Assai Records. Its success is further bolstered by the mixing talents of legendary Owen Morris, whose work with early Oasis albums has earned him the title of producer extraordinaire.

Support this evening are The Silver Arrow Collective, whose impressive blend of blues-infused Bad Company, Free, and Creedence Clearwater Revival vibes, paired with echoes of Springsteen’s The Ghost of Tom Joad era, wins over the audience with ease. With two commanding vocalists and a tight rhythm section, they deliver a captivating set. The surprise addition of Scottish songstress Kirsten Adamson on bass, seamlessly stepping in at the last minute to support her friends, only adds to the performance.

When Black Cat Bone takes the stage, they waste no time, launching into the evening with two absolute belters—“Shake It” and “Loose Juice” from their new album. With John Squire-esque guitars, infectious basslines, anthemic vocals, and Who-style blues harmonica, they have set a very high standard. “Undertone” channels an indie, early-Kasabian flavor, while the slower-paced “Roam” stands out as a haunting highlight. “Speed Queen” and “Blue for You” veer into a southern rock aesthetic reminiscent of The Black Crowes.

“Out of Love” brings the set back into darker, grittier territory, while “Let It Breathe” feels like the greatest Rolling Stones song they never recorded. “Coming For You” dazzles with its shimmering, Rickenbacker-esque guitar sound, leading into the blues-rock stomp of “Cling On.” The hypnotic “Rush” shifts gears, offering a Nick Cave-esque vocal delivery paired with a Dandy Warhols vibe.

“Punks n’ Pushers” turns up the energy with a swaggering, early-Aerosmith feel, before the band returns to their blues-rock roots with “Move On” and “Freak Machine,” both of which feature dynamic harmonica work and choruses that could sit comfortably alongside Oasis or Shed Seven. The evening closes with a brand-new track, “Mr Up to No Good,” which hints at a promising future direction with its driving Neil Young-style riffs.

Black Cat Bone are a band that wears their influences proudly, but their ability to blend these inspirations into something vibrant and fresh sets them apart. With an enigmatic frontman, a blues-driven backbone, and mid-’90s sensibilities, they are a devastatingly effective live act.

If the wind blows in their direction, 2025 could be a defining year for Black Cat Bone. This is a band you’ll want firmly on your radar.

****
Reviewed by Steve H
Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms
29th December 2024