They might only be a two-piece but Jordan Yates and Mark William Brown AKA Huxtable know how to make a statement. On their new EP, ‘Change Shape Future’, the Scottish alt-rockers deliver an adrenaline-fulled, riff-heavy onslaught with melodic hooks in equal measure.
The Kilmarnock duo are longtime friends, having come together through playing local shows in their respective old bands, Jordan and Mark formed Huxtable four years ago. During that time, they’ve travelled up and down their native homeland of Scotland playing a whole host of venues; both iconic and unknown.
As they prepare to release ‘Change Shape Future’ this Friday (and marking it with an EP release show in Glasgow), we asked Huxtable to highlight five of their favourite Scottish venues to play.
Tooth & Claw – Inverness
We’ve played here a good few times now. We absolutely LOVE Inverness and love the Tooth & Claw. Its sound is great and the venue is right in the heart of the city, but it has a fairly easy load in for equipment (which is always something to consider!) It’s run by a husband and wife team and they are lovely! They always treat us well.
Montys – Dunfermline
This is a great place to play. There is always interesting bands on and because it’s free entry, the place is always packed out! I would say it’s perhaps our favourite because it’s a proper gig venue you know? Old school style. If you are in Dunfermline check it out. Also if you are touring – it’s absolutely worth trying to book a show.
Sneaky Petes – Edinburgh
It’s small, it’s dark, it’s a wee bit dingy… but it has an incredible sound system and amazing onstage sound. Again, they have really friendly staff too. The only drawback about Sneaky’s is the load in and parking situation. But that’s not their fault. Edinburgh is just a fucking nightmare in general for getting around if you are driving.
The Green Room – Perth
It’s a pretty stunning venue – incredible selection of spirits too! The last time we played there was a wee chihuahua kicking about eating quavers off the floor in the bar. They also have a nice big roaring fireplace. The in-house sound guy absolutely knows how to get the best out of the room and they’ve got great in-house backline if you are travelling light. If you are in Perth, I would say it’s pretty much a must. Doesn’t matter who is on- just go!
King Tuts Wah Wah Hut – Glasgow
It’s a monster, let’s be honest. Everyone knows the story of Oasis being discovered there by Alan McGhee in the 90’s. Name any artist you listen to and they’ve more than likely played at Tuts at some point in their career. They love to remind people of this too.
The staircase up to the venue is filled with names acts who have graced the stage at Tuts. It’s not just all bark and no bite tho. The venue itself is great. The in-house sound engineers are incredible, and the staff at Tuts are friendly and welcoming too! If you’ve never been before, we would recommend coming along to our launch night on the 29th of September.
Huxtable will be heading out on a UK tour in the coming weeks. Support comes from Twin Heart.
September
29 King Tuts, Glasgow* (‘Change Shape Future’ EP release show)
October
13 The Drouthy Cobbler, Elgin
14 The Tooth & Claw, Inverness
17 Trillians, Newcastle
18 O’Rileys, Hull
19 Sunbird Records, Darwen
20 Alma Inn, Bolton
21 Banshee Labyrinth, Edinburgh
* no Twin Heart
‘Change Shape Future’ EP by Huxtable is released on 29th September.
