The Ayrshire Mafia

One of my favourite part of The Simpsons was Fat Tony and his gang. They would show up randomly, cause the biggest amount of hassle you could imagine, walk away from it, get away with it but everyone still loved them. So when you see a band who can do pretty much the same thing, then you start to wonder...

If you know anyone who knows anyone then chances are that you have heard of "A Band Called Cadence" or as they're calling themselves at this point in time "A Beer Called Cadence" 

Sitting here, I'm looking back to the past year and thinking where to start. Do I start with their controversial methods of publicity stunts, do I start with the fact that the mere line up represents a "Scots man, English man and Irish man" Joke or do I start with their musical talents?

Thinking about it, you have to start with their controversial methods.

Start a debate about anything and you can be sure that at some point ABCC will stick their oar in, but not in just any fashion. They always make sure they have all the facts and that they are on the right side before they start, but even then they still make it a debate worth taking notice of. I remember a few months ago a debate began about shady promoters and straight away ABCC had the facebook status updated and were naming and shaming people, publically exposing promoters and at the same time giving us all a good laugh. I've heard stories of people crying because of ABCC's antics, I've heard people being scared to go up against ABCC but it's all relevant because the fact remains that these guys are always sticking up for the music, always caring about the scene and always trying to create a better industry

Music wise the group are as tight as you can get. They cover a vast range of cover songs thrown in with many of their own. There is not one flaw that I can pick up on whenever I've witnessed them live or listened to recordings. Switching vocals between Lee and Xav gives the band a new dynamic, it's not often you hear a band go from song to song with the lead vocals switching from Scottish to English. Whether using a Cajon or a full Drum Kit, Xav's time keeping is always 100% on time, and he does it so effortlessly. Conors ability to change from Guitar to Mandolin makes sure that the on-stage show is kept fresh and interesting. Unfortunately I've not witnessed new member Ian Newlands on Bass, but I have no doubt that he's talented otherwise he wouldn't be allowed in the band. There's no lack of talent from these guys when it comes to music.

A Scots Man an English Man and an Irish Man walk into a bar..........and here's their story. Conor, Lee and Xav are three musicians who came together through music, a love of music a passion for music and basically to form one of the most outspoken, talented, determined and helpful bands around in Scotland at the moment. They've sure had their controversies and even been banned from Radio Stations but the fact remains that these three guys are talented and entertaining musicians. Now with a fourth member the band can only get stronger and more outspoken.

I'm going to start rating bands I think, so I'm going to give ABCC............5 out of 5 sausage rolls.

I could write a film on these guys, and who knows maybe one day that'll happen, I just don't think the censorship laws would allow it to hit the cinema.