The Wild Mercury Sound @ King Tuts, Glasgow 19.03.12

That’s not to say that the tickets didn’t sell – just that most of the crowd inexplicably left after the second support band, a pastiche of every mid 90s northern UK band. But those that made the decision to leave early missed out, because despite the challenge of a less than ample crowd, The Wild Mercury Sound delivered a typically engaging, energetic and entertaining live show.

They thrashed their way through material from their career so far, including the plaudit-winning new single 'Slow'. Unlike the bland fare that had come before them, the band brought a great deal of dynamism, and a sound that sets them apart from the rest of the chasing UK up-and-comer pack.

Those that had stayed to watch the band were certainly given a treat – there was no lack of effort from a band embarking on their first large scale UK tour. Vocalist Benji Compston made the stage his own with his commanding presence and vocals that match almost seamlessly with the music: building slowly when it needs to, and at other times thundering throughout the small venue.

It’s unfortunate that more didn’t turn out for what was a very good show, from a band that certainly seems to have big things ahead of them. Barely out of their teens, The Wild Mercury Sound have as much of a chance as any of forging a career in the cut-throat guitar rock scene. And hopefully, a few years down the line, this will be one of the gigs you’re happy to have been in a scarce crowd for – it was certainly worth being in attendance for their performance on this night.