LIVE REVIEW | SING TO TIM w/ CARDIACS & TIM SMITH’S SPRATLEYS | GLASGOW SWG3 WAREHOUSE 11/10/2024

There’s not many bands who you can compare to Cardiacs. Despite forming almost 50 years ago, the band never quite experienced the same level of commercial success that some of their peers did: however, they did leave quite lasting impression. In short, The Cardiacs may be the most influential band you’ve never heard of.

The creation of brothers Tim and Jim Smith, over the years Cardiacs have seen a rotary of band members and produced some of the most whimsical and idiosyncratic musical compositions in pop music ever. With high profile fans such as Mike Patton and Billy Gould (Faith No More), Mike Keneally (The Zappa Band), Justin Hawkins (The Darkness) and Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), The Cardiacs are even cited by Blur as one of their biggest influences and continue to reach music lovers across the world.

Four years after the tragic passing of frontman Tim Smith, it was finally the right time to celebrate his life and music together with fans, friends and family. So, last month, ‘Sing To Tim‘ embarked on a 4 night tour across the UK delivering the ultimate tribute to a much loved musician. The second night of the short tour landed in Glasgow, and it was a nostalgic trip of sentiment and joy.

Opening the evenings bill was one of Tim’s more popular side endeavors, Tim Smith’s Spratleys (formally known as Spratley Japs). Fronted by the captivating Jo Spratley, the sound is unmistakably Tim Smith all over. Performing for around an hour, Spratley Japs quickly found themselves as the unexpected highlight of the night for many gig-goers. Jo’s vocal range and eccentricities were utterly spellbinding and only complimented further by the unnerving complexity of Smith’s songwriting. A real talent which I’m sure won’t be retiring anytime soon (at least I hope!)

There’s something to be said about the unmistakable neurodiversity taking residency in the room this evening. With a crowd of an average age around 50, we were surprised to arrive at SWG3 Warehouse to find the most unified bar queues I’ve ever seen – manners are impeccable and space is respected. A highlight from the crowd this evening has to be the gentleman positioned at the barrier who has adapted the role of conductor; with arms flailing in intricate time signatures, probably ready to raise hell if a half a bar is out of place. It’s endearing and adds to the warmth and acceptance enriching the room.

Prior to the tour, fans really had no indication of what ‘Sing To Tim’ would entail and who would show up – yet the entire tour was left a sell out regardless. So you can imagine the joy from the crowd when the main headline show was some the best Cardiacs members from across the years, including the welcome sight of the original member and Tim’s brother, Jim Smith on bass. Leading the orchestration was John ‘Random’ Poole (vocals, guitar) with the line up complete with Bob Leith (drummer), Christian ‘Bic’ Hayes (Guitar), Adrien Rodes (keys) and Chloe Herington (saxophone). All core Cardiacs players at some point over their extensive career, the line up we’re openly accepted by the avid fan base in attendance.

The set is a shrine to some of best loved Cardiacs tunes from their original hey day of the 80’s/early 90’s. 1989’s Songs For Ships and Iron dominates this evenings set, opening with ‘All his Geese are Swans‘; it’s evident this collection of songs hold a special space with Cardiac fans who never expected to hear these tracks live this way again. That sense of gratuity isn’t just presumed, but it is felt in all of its glory; whilst many may argue that Cardiacs should have died with Tim, that’s not the energy I feel tonight.

Running through the set which also features songs such as ‘Everything is Easy‘, ‘As Cold As Can Be In An English Sea‘, the line up takes an unique turn of events with the introduction of Mike Vennart. Best known (at least this side of the border) as the one half of Empire State Bastard with touring bandmate and Biffy Clyro frontman, Simon Neil, Vennart is also a massive Cardiacs fan. Invited to play alongside his musical heroes, Mike Vennart is is warmly welcomed to the Cardiacs family like their own. Singing iconic tracks such as ‘The Leader Of The Starry Skies‘ and later ‘Anything I Can’t Eat‘ amongst others, we all leave hoping that this collaboration isn’t a one off.

We also welcome back this evenings opener, Jo Spratley for their rendition of ‘Ideal‘ and again, it goes without saying that the fit is as natural as breathing.

Nobody wants this show to end: the atmosphere is just too infectious and comes to a climatic high when the Cardiacs allegiance is tested during penultimate entry ‘Big Ship‘ – a song which would convert even the casual attendee. Closing off with the more pensive ‘Stoneage Dinosaur‘, ‘Sing To Tim’ retreats for the night.

I never did see The Cardiacs live, but they have become a renowned name in my house whether I wanted it or not, so to finally witness the madness live was an experience I won’t forget in a hurry. A project that had just as much potential to flop as it did to succeed, ‘Sing To Tim‘ bows out a unified winner. A little disappointing not to hear anything from 1995’s epic double album ‘Sing To God‘, but if my predictions are correct, I reckon we’ll see a fitting anniversary tour fairly soon. Wishful thinking? Probably, but if you don’t ask…