Trashcan Sinatras played Middle East Upstairs – 5/17

I had a bit of a morbid start to last week – rapidly working one’s way through “In Cold Blood” will do that. But what better way to combat existential angst at the capacity for human evil than an evening of upbeat Scottish indie pop?

Broad commercial success has long evaded Glasgow’s Trashcan Sinatras, a band now rounding out a third decade together, but they have all the makings of a true cult following. Last Tuesday’s show at the Middle East Up was a crowded one, packed with fans visibly overcome with joy at particular song selections and singing along to every word. The set mixed jangle-y gems from their 1990s and 00s back catalog with tunes from this year’s crowd-funded Wild Pendulum to great effect. It was a charming show that did succeed in bringing some levity to my week. Just try and listen to “Obscurity Knocks” and not crack a smile.

Photos from the show, including opener Sophie Auster, below.