PEAT & DIESEL THE OLD COURTHOUSE HUDDERSFIELD
Photography By: ROY GOODALL
TELEVISION can be irritating at times. Full of drivel. That said, had I not watched BBC ALBA and BBC Scotland I’d never have discovered Peat & Diesel!
Hailing from the Isle Of Lewis high up in western Scotland and still holding down day jobs, they do head down country occasionally but it is a journey, yet this Huddersfield crowd made noises you wouldn’t believe as Peat & Diesel opened the night in raucous fashion.
South of the border the gravely vocals are at times hard to decipher yet the pounding grooves and happy faces didn’t seem to mind. In fact, certain songs even enjoyed much audience participation, namely Stornoway, Calum Dan’s Transit Van and the Western Isles to name but a few.
We also had a few choice covers, Dirty Old Town, and the 1999 Blondie hit Maria, again pleasing the packed Huddersfield venue, and all performed with grit and growls the band have come to embrace.
Comprising Uilleam ‘Uilly’ Macleod on drums, Innes Scott on midi accordion and Calum ‘Boydie’ Macleod on guitar/vocals, they all spend the entire gig seated, though occasionally Innes stood up due to backache, and play foot stomping gaelic rock that is firmly rooted in traditional Scottish highland life.
What started out just a few years ago as just the dog and cat watching three lads in a bedroom, has morphed into something magical, taking Peat & Diesel on a journey they could never have dreamt of. Whilst to some they may be unknown, this very likable trio are making serious moves in the industry, have knocked out several albums, and gave this Huddersfield crowd some proper entertainment. I loved them. And you know what, I wasn’t the only one.
If you do nothing else this year try and plan a pilgrimage. Go see Peat & Diesel.
WORDS & PICTURES: ROY GOODALL
