The Gig: The Little Kicks

The Little Kicks were back on stage in Aberdeen this weekend after a long pandemic-enforced break. The band were on a high with a new single release, with more new music on the way. Their first release since 2017, it’s a track we can’t get enough of right now. Vansleep and Dee supported the headliners along with a late-night DJ set.

We sent our friend Kimbo along to The Tunnels on Carnegie’s Brae to cover the event and report back.

I have never been one to turn down an opportunity to be exposed to new music. So this Saturday I headed out with my gig buddy Cathers to see what was going off at The Tunnels.

Three local acts were on the card on a night which ended a week of gigging fun for me. They brought some unique sounds and fun and funky beats to a beautiful night. By the end of the sets, eager fans had packed out The Tunnels and a brilliant night had by all.

Dee

Kicking off the night was Scott Dee, better known as just Dee. He bounced up onto that stage sporting the best of his tracksuit tops and drinking from a full carton of fresh orange on the stage. When I saw him munching on sweeties and throwing Freddos to the crowd, I knew I was going to like him. He brought the fun with him and had us all disco dancing before we knew where we were. 

He boogied, kick dropped and bounced his way on and off that stage, treating us to songs of romance and breakups. One of those tracks, Amanda, had every member of the crowd singing along. I could barely concentrate on his sound for smiling. I was transfixed by his superior dance moves. Dee oozed stage presence and confidence and by the time he got to his track Restless Knights, we were all fully involved and wondering what he was going to do next. He spread positivity, was full of energy, and it was a joy to watch. It was also nice to see how thankful he was to the lads at The Little Kicks for giving him the opportunity to support.

Vansleep

Vansleep took to the stage and this quartet know how to make an entrance. From the first note, I just knew this would be a spectacular set from the Aberdeen indie/ alternative rock band. 

Their lead singer Kyle was suited and booted and ready to rock with a powerful deep vocal that went beautifully with driving guitar melodies. There was a clear connection between them from the off, with some incredible jamming going on everywhere you looked on stage.

Over the pandemic, I came across a band called Hardwicke Circus. I found myself thinking there were similarities to Kyle when hearing more of their tracks. I particularly enjoyed Stargazer. Cathers and I were both completely lost in the music as the band built up their tunes. Vansleep performed some seriously heavy guitar riffs, and we were both very impressed. I would definitely want to see these guys again. 

The Little Kicks

The Little Kicks were the headline. I’m ashamed to say despite being an Aberdeen band, this was my first time to see them. It definitely won’t be the last.

I had listened to a few tracks, but seeing them live Ic could feel the energy, experience and how tight they were as a band.

Soaring vocals from Steven and some of the most beautiful harmonies I’ve heard in a while and I gig a lot! The Little Kicks delivered their track, Goodbye Enemies, unbelievably powerfully and I have to say their drummer is an exceptional talent. 

The whole set all felt funky and full of good vibes. They packed in a fantastic set with one track stripped back so we could hear even more of the beauty of Steven on his own with the guitar. A beautiful moment before they ended the night with The Tunnels in a total bounce.

The most recent track Ruminations went down a storm. They filmed the accompanying video at the Bon Accord Baths. It’s available now. Check it out and look out for new material from them in October 2022. I’m looking forward to it already.