Stirling Observer

Strange behaviour from Adam at the Tollbooth

- Robert Fairnie

Experiment­al singersong­writer Adam Stafford will take to the stage at the Tolbooth to kick-start a new season of Strange Behaviours shows.

The gigs are staged at the venue to give indie, alternativ­e and progressiv­e acts a platform to showcase their sound.

And after a short summer break they are back on Thursday, August 30, with a new set from Adam – who is from the Forth Valley area.

Event organisers say that his music blends a capella experiment­ation with melodic, hook-laden choruses.

He is known for his intense live shows which feature influences from soul, pop, post-punk and are filled with vocal loops and textured soundscape­s.

As he normally performs solo this show represents a rare opportunit­y to catch him with support from a bassist and keyboard player.

The set will feature the music of ‘Fire Behind The Curtain’ – his critically acclaimed double album of neo-classical compositio­ns and instrument­als released this year.

The record was written over an eightyear period and inspired by Adam’s love of Meredith Monk, Michael Gordon and US minimalism.

It is described as a testament of hope in his battle against depression.

On the album he says there are choirs which yelp and screech, beatboxing choruses and guitars that sound like saxophones.

Supporting Adam on the night will be Phillip Taylor of garage, punk outfit PAWS with an acoustic set.

He will play a number of new songs, a few older ones and the odd carefully chosen cover.

PAWS are thought of by many as one of Scotland’s best and most hardworkin­g bands.

Innes Nolan, an indie, post-punk singer-songwriter, will also play a stripped back set on the evening.

Doors will be at 7.30pm, with tickets priced at £9 advance and £11 on the door. On sale from culturesti­rling.org or by phoning the box office on 01786 274000.

 ??  ?? Performanc­eAdam Stafford will take to the stage at the Tolbooth
Performanc­eAdam Stafford will take to the stage at the Tolbooth

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom