Pearl & the Puppets Instore Performance at FOPP Union Street (16th August 2010)

To celebrate the release of new release “Make Me Smile”, Pearl and (most of) the Puppets performed a short set in FOPP on Union Steet in Glasgow before meeting fans and signing copies of the new single.

As mentioned at the start, most of the Puppets were present for this gig. Drummer Puppet was missing meaning that the renditions of her songs were going to be a little different from usual.

The set kicked off with Lower Ground before heading into debut single Because I Do which she dedicated to her grandad who was present at the performance. This was followed by Mango Tree. All these songs featured on the Because I Do EP released earlier in the year.

Current single Make Me Smile was next in line along with the B-side, Inside Out. The set was finished with fan favourite Kisses which also meant that it was ukulele time! It also meant that it was time for Pearl to complain that she couldn’t do two things at once but also mention that some people already knew what song was coming up.

As mentioned previously, it was a little strange to hear the tracks without a drum or box drum, especially with the two singles, however it was nice to hear songs in a different context than the same thing over and over again.

Despite the time of the instore performance (5.30pm), the tiny ground floor was packed, with some people heading to the second floor and sitting watching from the second level. Compared to other performances, the crowd seemed quite sedate however did show their appreciation at the end of the songs and no shortage of people wanting to meet her afterwards.

 

Overall it was a great little event and it’s great to be able to see an artist in such an intimate way. It’s also a great way to interact with the fans.

Photos: © Vhari Lannigan

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Because I Do EP:
Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Download @ iTunes

Make Me Smile:
Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Download @ iTunes

Pearl and the Puppets // Make Me Smile

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Download @ iTunes

According to Katie (aka Pearl) this is actually the first single from herself and the band. The song itself has already been used in ads by mobile phone provider Orange in Romania and Victoria’s Secret in America.

Make Me Smile is a great little number, breaking up the monotonous sounds that are currently flooding the chart. With it’s catchy melody and lyrics, you’ll sound find yourself joining in. Inside Out has got a nice melody and rhythm that you’ll soon find yourself swaying along to as well. Also included in this single is a remix of the main single by GRUM.

As previous said, it’s a change from the usual sounds currently in the charts, showing that there is hope yet for music

Rating:4/5

Pearl & The Puppets Live in Apple Store, Glasgow (8th July 2010)

Pearl and the Puppets is a band from Kirkintilloch, Scotland and comprise of singer/songwriter Katie Sutherland (aka Pearl) (vocals/guitar/ukulele), Blair McMillan (drums ), Gordon Turner (guitar), Scott Clark (bass) and Michael Abubakar (keyboards). Her songs have already been used by brands like Vodafone (Australia), Orange (Romania) and Victoria’s Secret (US)) long before any release here in the UK.

Tonight short performance to a packed Apple Store (located on Buchanan Street) comprised of 7 songs and lasted for just more than 30 minutes. The evening started with her admitting that she didn’t expect as many people to turn out to see her and recording the occasion with a photo. Then it was straight into the music with Honey before having a small ‘chat’ as she tuned her guitar. Then it was into her debut song, Because I Do getting the fans into a sing along followed by Mango Tree, both of which appeared on the debut EP. She then introduced and announced that Inside Out would be the B-side to her forthcoming single. The song itself has got a nice melody and rhythm that you’ll soon find yourself swaying along to.

Next in line was Kisses where the ukelele comes into play for the first and last time for the night. It’s something odd to see someone playing the ukelele but there is no effort shown. It’s a shame this is the only song with the ukelele. There’s a lovely sound from it. Then we’re into a more upbeat and, as announced, loud song Better Days. The set was rounded off with the new single (or as she’d announced it, the first single) Make Me Smile with the fans once more getting into the swing and clapping along.

All things considered, it was a great little gig, and no complaints can be made seeing as it was free. This may well have been a warm up for the weekend (where they are performing at T in the Park) and if so, then the festival goers are in for a treat. Fingers are crossed that big things are on the horizon for this band.

Photos © Vhari Lannigan

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Buy Because I Do EP @ Amazon.co.uk | Download Because I Do EP @ Amazon.co.uk | Download Because I Do EP @ iTunes

Pearl And The Puppets // Because I Do EP

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Download @ iTunes

Pearl and the Puppets is a band from Kirkintilloch and comprise of singer/songwriter Katie Sutherland (vocals/guitar/ukulele), Blair McMillan (drums ), Gordon Turner (guitar), Scott Clark (bass) and Michael Abubakar (keyboards) and this is the first offering for those in the UK to sample (her songs have been used by Vodafone (Australia), Orange (Romania) and Victoria’s Secret (US))

Because I Do is a fun little acoustic guitar driven song which builds into the chorus and bridges. The song provides a mesmerising melody to go with the equally with the vocals. Girlfriend (track 2) continues this mellowed out feeling. Mango Tree (track 3) wakens the EP up a little but you could see this as a closing track to an album or a song you’d listen to just before nodding off to sleep. The last track, Lower Ground is one of those songs that you could imagine playing at the close of the day

Overall, the EP showcases what Pearl is capable of, and giving a possible tease for what to expect from the album (expected later in the year). A wonderful little gem from Scotland that shouldn’t be overlooked and if possible, be heard live.

Rating: 5/5