Letham nights #4 saw the return to live performing of Slacker 73 after a 15 year hiatus, the introduction of Davy Sausage and the 1st live show by the main act, Ambulances, since the release of the excellent album, “The Future That Was“. And last but not least Frenchie was on hand to man the decks.

The night looked like it was going to be interesting with the arrival of first of all, the bands big green tour bus and secondly an army of loyal fans of Ambulances, Slacker 73 and Davy Sausage pouring into the hall. The hall was soon filled with an expectant buzz from the lively, good natured crowd. Frenchy DJ’d during the evening, playing an eclectic mix of grooves.

First on was an understandably nervous Slacker 73, his nerves evaporating as he got into his own songs and a few covers. The crowd, by this time had found the Transition Toun bar and were up for dancing to Slacker 73’s songs. He played seven songs including  well received self penned, “you gotta love them hippies” and “souls long gone” and “solo lucky”.

Davy Sausage was next to play, the crowd chanting, “There’s only one Davy Sausage” as he was announced and making his way onto the stage. He ran through his set with good humour and not a little resemblance to Neil Young. The two not being traditional bed mates. (Humour and Neil Young, that is). His set included an excellent cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”.

  

Ambulances then took the stage and debuted songs from the album. Starting with “Come with us” an upbeat invitation I for one could not resist. The rest of the set seemed to fly past, the vocal harmonising working superbly with the gorgeous guitar sounds of Graham, Chris and Scott. The lead vocals were shared between Scott, Sara, Graham and Chris, ably backed by the tight drum/bass section provided by Oz and Al.

The songs each had their own signature. “What I thought of” with its’ interesting drum intro, “Last old fiver” a hauntingly beautiful song, “Nothing can touch me” Guitars set to distortion for this one and “Last Light” vocal harmonies over acoustic guitar, the other songs on the set list were equally noteworthy, indeed, I could have ended up writing down the whole set list. Again, the dancing threw up some interesting routines from the now ecstatic punters. After a noisily demanded encore a queue formed to buy Ambulances T-shirts and the newly released CD.

Meanwhile Frenchie and his vinyl collection kept the vibe going by playing some great tunes till midnight. Before we knew it the hall had emptied and we were left reeling (pun) by the way the evening had panned out.

Letham Nights is just getting better and better.

View and listen to a clip of the Ambulances 'Hired hands' from their debut album

I have a limited number of Ambulances CD “The Future That Was” for sale at £5 plus postage, if postage is required. Please contact Roy on 01337 810234 first come first served.