Amusement Parks on Fire
Glasgow Barfly, April 5th 2007
Hand a guitarist a delay or distortion pedal - particularly the daddy of distortion pedals, the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi - and they're likely to make a lot of noise. Whether that noise is a life-affirming wash of sound or an ear-assaulting cacophonous dirge however, is thereafter left in the musician's hands. Very few get it just right. My Bloody Valentine and Mogwai became masters of such noise, and Amusement Parks on Fire look set to follow in their footsteps.It's all very well throwing around comparisons with post-rock luminaries but that's far too easy. Yes, the sound that emanates from the speakers reminds you of the early-90s and OK, the band did record their second album in Iceland - in the converted-swimming-pool-cum-studio owned by Sigur Ros; but such comparisons can overshadow the latent creativity on show at Glasgow Barfly tonight.
Taking the stage slightly late due to technical issues, Amusement Parks... look a little flustered but as Michael Feerick starts opener "Out of the Angeles" everyone settles down to enjoy. The quality of sound in Barfly tonight is as good as it's ever been, and the layered guitars punch sharply through the initial silence. What grabs my attention most is how well Amusement Parks... manage to build aptly on quietness. In each song a perfect wall of noise is built up steadily layer upon layer, not quite cocooning the audience until the very last note rings out.
Tonight's set is mixed with songs from the eponymous first album, the follow up "Out of the Angeles" and - as the setlist exclaims - a "new one"! The biggest audience reaction, of course, comes when the singles are played. Both "Eighty-Eight" and "Asphalt" were highlights, the
latter combining a hefty dose of echo and a guitar played with a cello bow. The set ends enveloped in feedback as Dan Knowles and Feerick tweak settings on pedals to coax out every last shadow from their amplifiers, before hopping off the stage triumphantly to leave the audience completely stunned.
The band are currently touring to promote their "A Star Is Born" E.P. out now on V2 records.
> Words and Photos: Neil Milton
