Gig Review: North Atlantic Oscillation, Ruby Lounge, March 23rd

In a surprisingly low attended Ruby Lounge, we gather to see one of Scotland’s latest, best kept secrets.

Whilst just a duo on record, North Atlantic Oscillation turns into a four-piece on stage to give us the best of, if not the entire, track list of their debut album Grappling Hooks. Performing some of the most intricate combinations of guitar, samples and drums that I’ve witnessed on this level, NOA don’t take it easy on the intro.

They want your attention and won’t take no for an answer.

With a raging set that lasts for around the 50 minute mark, in-the-making hits such as Cell Count, Hollywood has ended and Ceiling Poem are produced with the ease of which you would expect to see a highly advanced team of NASA engineers. Although sometimes bordering on overkill and almost giving the expression to be struggling with the offbeat samples and guitar plucking, it all waves into an extremely pleasant carpet of sound.

It would be too easy to draw comparisons with Radiohead and Doves. Though there are certain evident similarities, North Atlantic Oscillation seem set for great things. With a showcase set for Liverpool Soundcity, it shouldn’t take too long for their audience to realize what they’re facing.

Words: Alex Dorweiler