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Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>

It is a bloody cold Sunday night in Glasgow city centre, and everyone daft enough to be outside has sought comfort in one of the dozens of pubs still open. One of these saviour establishments is the well-known Twisted Wheel, where a band named 6 Day Riot are to entertain the punters of the evening. On a joint UK tour with their long-time friend Gideon Conn, 6 Day Riot produce a smooth blend of country-pop music with a touch of jazz, interspersed with cameos by ukulele, trumpet, violin, xylophone, and other unusual instruments.

As we descend the stairs to the gig room, we’re met with an already-substantial crowd. Local band The French Wives are the chosen support for this evening, matching both Gideon’s and the Riot’s easy-on-the-ears tunes and convincing ad-libbing of vocals from all band members. With a noticeably tall frontman – emphasised by Twisted Wheel’s low ceiling height – the band have a good vibe amongst them whilst performing. They all seem to be enjoying themselves and are quite energetic, considering the small stage they have to stick to. Despite the incomprehensible mumble that was their goodbye (probably due to the microphone being too close to tall-guy’s mouth or the chatter of the audience overpowering his voice) they leave with applause.

After a small break allowing the crowd to swarm the bar - manned only by one rather afro-tastic barman – Gideon Conn jumps towards the stage and gets himself ready. It’s hard not to love this little fellow, with his kid-like voice and accent introducing himself to a smiling audience. Using cutesy phrases such as “it was lovely all the same”, he captures the hearts of the room even before he’s played his first song. Hailing from Manchester, Gideon uses a mish-mash of the musical genre as his key resting place, and he creates a very good combined feel between him and his band. His music definitely has

more impact when being heard live than recorded, as he puts on more of a show than just a set. Bouncing up and down during songs like a Duracell bunny brings a certain kick to his songs. You can imagine him being the next Bill Bailey – combining clever, humorous music with stand-up comedy. He also congratulates the aforementioned barman on his afro, prompting a round of whoops and cheers from equally impressed onlookers.

With his kneeling, jumping, waving, and joking antics done for the evening, him and his band leave the stage to be greeting by a hoard of chattering people wishing to congratulate him on his set. Nay, his performance.

6 Day Riot now ascend the stage to finish an enjoyable night of music and entertainment. The first thing noticed has to be how seamlessly they synchronise with each other. It is obvious they’re all uniquely talented and what you hear on the record

is actually how they sound – no doctoring to be found here. Lead singer Tamara’s voice is mesmerising and flawless in tuning. And the 6 of them don’t even look slightly squashed on the stage. A good few drum solos give the songs a nice pause for reflection and an ear-break from the awesome amount of sounds being created from the band. Good inter-track banter is offered by Tamara about their new album (to be released in July) and accusatory remarks of being drunk are humorously pointed at fellow bandmates. Remarks received with no defensive attitude from these accused, it has to be noted. Their final song results in Gideon and his band assaulting the stage to collaborate. The swell of musicians soon spill onto the floor with Gideon trademark bunny-bouncing being more noticeable than ever. Our very own barman even joins in by playing the shakers being offered up by Tamara.

For those who haven’t heard of 6 Day Riot yet, there’s no rush. You will do soon. Signed to their very own record label and with a compelling new album on the horizon, these 6 musical band members will be assaulting your ears in one way or another. They are a treat to see live.