Staff Blog
1990s, Oct. 7, First Unitarian Church
Easily the goofiest-looking rock band since Supergrass, the Glasgow band 1990s display a similar knack for irrepressibly energetic bursts of melody. Playing second on a three-band bill at the First Unitarian Church on Sunday, the three-piece sailed through the highlights of their debut Cookies (Rough Trade/World’s Fair), plus two fine new songs. Cookies isn’t a consistent listen, but its three singles — “You Made Me Like It,” “You’re Supposed to Be My Friend” and “See You At the Lights” – are near-perfect pop. All three songs received spirited readings on Sunday, with Kinks-size riffs and cheerfully irreverent lyrics at the forefront.
Speaking of forefront, all three band members performed in line on stage. Singer-guitarist Jackie McKeown – he of the floppy hair and sizable incisors – was an amiable frontman. But Michael McGaughrin, sitting to McKeown’s left, nearly stole the show, playing drums, singing harmonies, and never once standing still. He wasn’t quite Keith Moon; more like a stick-wielding Angus Young. (1990s are currently without a full-time bass player; Dino Bardot is handling the low-end for the U.S. tour.)
