Louise Against the Elements (L.A.T.E.)

She's the funk poetess with a voice somewhere between Joni and Dusty, and her band are a racket of raw soul power. This band are called Louise Against The Elements. The band met through a love of tofu and death metal and consist of Louise Hendy (vocals), Stephen Merrick (guitar), David Brogan (bass), Denis Brogan (keyboards) and Tim Gray - Divisional Director of 3DReid Architects (drums).

They currently regularly play the Glasgow indie music circuit gaining reviews as follows '..."On a Saturday Night" exudes attitude. "Rollin' in Honey" is delivered in a manner so cool that it would chill your beer... Musically, this band has got it made and in Louise Hendry they also have an entrancing and charismatic front person. Definitely a tip for the top...

"It's all over Baby Blue" by Louise Against the Elements

Louise Against the Elements MySpace

Asylum

Asylum is Dicey O'Neill singing, Bill Gillespie on guitar and backing vocals, Gareth Clift on guitar and backing vocals, Iain McIntyre on bass and Farquhar Wilson on the drums. The band was formed in 2001 when some friends from the property industry realised on a drunken night out that they shared a guilty secret... a love of rock music and a mis-spent youth playing in loud bands! Asylum was born and the guys can now be found lurking in various shady pubs and rock venues in and around Glasgow, trying to recapture their youth!

"Peacock Suit" by Asylum

Asylum band website

The A51's

The birth and slow development of the Fabulous A51s: 'Pass me that hammer, Donny' said Paul (Doherty/Palisade Properties) as he held the sheet of plasterboard against the timber frame. Donny (McKinnon of McKenzie Partnership) gently lifted the hammer from the toolbox and a deafening crash was heard as the entire contents of the box fell onto the concrete floor. 'That reminds me Donny' mused Paul, 'you play the drums, don't you?' Thus, a musical alliance between two property giants was cemented. Meanwhile, further across the city, a lone busker accompanied himself on an old battered guitar singing, 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out'. 'That reminds me' said Stephen (McHard/Wallace Whittle) to himself, 'I can play that song. I must look out my guitar when I get home' and he passed on by on his way to the shop for a sandwich.

To the casual reader, these may seem like two quite unrelated events. And, indeed, they are. But, they all met up one day at Strathclyde University's Department of Creative and Aesthetic Studies for a jam session with Charlie Byrne (keyboards), who happens to work in the building. They were eventually joined by Alistair McIntyre (CKD Galbraith) who originally supplied the cool Bass lines. Nearly three years later, the band have played a number of local venues and events and at times have almost managed to raise a flicker of interest from friends and family who faithfully turn up to endure/enjoy an evening of the A51s inimitable blend of rock, blues, country licks and general musical pot pourri.

The band has recently undergone something of a metamorphosis, welcoming new bassist, Alex Mitchell (James Barr), and beginning to write some original material. The creative floodgates (or should that be sluice gates?) are now open with the songwriters in the band writing new songs in less time than it takes for local authority planning approval. They write about anything from first loves and broken hearts to favourite anoraks and pet animals they had when they were young. No subject is taboo. Come along and listen for yourself. But, be warned. Be prepared to cry!

ISIS

Isis emerged 14 years ago, as a revolt against the local Club scene at the time. The dozen or so bands doing the rounds in the area probably shared about 60% of their playlists, with little to distinguish one from another. Determined to break free, the band chose a set of songs they liked but rarely had the opportunity to play. After the first, legendary gig (on Friday 13th), the bar had been raised and the apathy of their peers, cured. Since then, Isis have played all over Scotland, sublimely moving through Classic pop and rock, with groove and virtuosity; from Toto and Steely Dan to Satriani and Vai. The band comprises Lindsay on guitar and lead vocals, John on bass and lead vocals, Jim on keyboards and vocals and Siz on drums and vocals.

"Rosanna" by ISIS