JANUARY 1988

GUN: Crystals, East Kilbride

LOADED WITH Springsteens commitment, aimed at the appeal of INXS and fired with the feel of Bad Company, Gun are dangerous. If Zeppelin were tight but loose, then Gun are both rough and smooth — a potent cocktail of commercial melody and hard rockin’ riffs.

If the name is new to you, it’s no surprise. Previously known as Phobia, this clan from Glasgow have kept a low profile since signing recently to A& M Records, saving their substantial ammunition for a major assault in ‘88. This gig was one of a batch arranged to air material prior to committing it to vinyl, and to break in new bassist Dante Gizzi, still a shade short of image in comparison with brother Giuliano (guitar), Mark Rankin (vocals), David Aitken (guitar) and Alan Thornton (drums).

What are you missing? Well, a few tasty tunes for starters.

Take ‘Dance, Dance, Dance’ for example, a perfect opener packed with more rhythmic ‘XS’ than INXS have ever mustered. Or ‘Inside, Outside’ and When You Love Somebody’, both instantly memorable. Just listen to ‘Prime Time’ – it’s solid single material bringing to mind a heavy dose of Prince. Talking of the puny Purple One, the only cover tonight was ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ – sure makes a change from Zeppelin’s ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll’ or The Cult’s ‘(She Sells) Sanctuary’.

The image is contemporary, bridging the gap between denim ‘n’ leather and designer rock; the songs are commercially strong and the performance is passionate and polished.

You’ll be hearing more of this band.

RICHARD HEGGIE