Monday 27/02/06 The Aliens @ Moshulu, Aberdeen

Fans mourning the musical void left in their lives after the disbandment of The Beta Band will be happy to know that ex-Beta’s members Robin Jones and John Maclean have hooked up with old school mate and ex Lone Pigeon man, Gordon Anderson under the moniker The Aliens. The band carry a similar eclectic approach to their trade as The Beta band but are independent of any overtly Beta characteristics.  Using a more definitive approach to their set full of genre-crossing songs from touching country rock to spaced out hippy grooves.

This being only their second performance together the concert itches along with little delays and repeated hand gestures to the sound deck, although this won’t come as a shock to anyone familiar with the erratic performances of Lone Pigeon.  However, once the songs are in motion they bounce along with a zest and energy that is encapsulated in frontman Gordon Anderson performance at the front of the stage.

Despite the small turnout Anderson’s enthusiasm is undiminished as he bobs about the stage smiling and joking with the crowd.  Before launching into 'Robot Man' which the crowd are more than happy to help him sing along to. As expected ex Beta sticks man Robin Jones delivers a gutsy, deep bellied drumming foundation for all the songs to grow on, and each song is eagerly embellished by Maclean’s keen tinkling on the keys and synths.  Maclean also accompanies each song with a wide coathanger grin; “This is more fun.  More better” he elaborates when asked about life now compared with the heady days of the Beta’s.

Highlight of the night is the transformation of Primal Scream’s indie house classic ‘Higher Than The Sun’ into a sample-laden stomp fest to close the show. The Aliens have a charm and positivity about them onstage that transgresses down to the audience through their camaraderie inducing music. A definite must see.