So here we are back at Bannermans in Edinburgh to catch Capsula, a psychedelic rock band originally from Buenos Aires. But up first, we have a local act, Responsible Adult, who are playing only their second ever gig tonight.
The band have a classic rock vibe and we get a setlist of originals including “Leather Bound”, which features some nice strong vocals and tasty guitar work. They also threw in a couple of interesting covers, including “Long Slow Goodbye” by Queens of the Stone Age and “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division. I think the guys should do well with their sound; I would have liked to see them move a bit more on stage, but that’ll come with time. After all, it is only their second live appearance. I’ll keep an eye out for them in the future, and if you see them playing anywhere, pop along and support them and live music.
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Now for the main event and a band I’ve only recently come across. Capsula consists of the core duo of Martín Guevara (guitar, vocals) and Coni Duchess (bass, vocals), with Gonzalo Criado on drums. Their music blends psychedelic and alternative rock, characterised by powerful riffs and a guitar-driven sound. The band opens with the groove-laden “Hacia el Sur” from their Primitivo Astral album, with Martin’s haunting vocals carrying it along on the back of some intense guitar work and killer bass from Coni, who just never stops moving. Throw in some real heavy drumming at the rear and you’ve got one hell of a start.
The heavy, riff-laden “Rayo Oscuro” is a dark, swirling song with the intensity of the late 60s psychedelic era – an absolute killer of a tune. The guitar kicks it up a notch with “(In the Garden) of Narcissus” featuring Coni on vocals. The band are on fire here, with Coni laying waste to that bass and Martin killing it on guitar.
The slower but no less fuzz-driven “Spelling Love” is a heavy, sweeping stomper of a track with haunting vocals from Coni. It’s a full-on sonic attack and simply tremendous. We are back to Martin on vocals for the foot-stomper “La Luz Azul”, a short but sharp bouncer of a song with more of that top-tier guitar work. The band blast through the likes of “Ancient Skies”, “Ride the Fire”, and “Dig It to the Bone” before we get “Behind the Trees”, a heavy, pounding song from their Phantasmaville album. You really feel your feet and head going with this one; the hypnotic guitar and bass take you along for the trip.
There’s a touch of “Caballos de Mar” as Martin lays waste to his guitar. The drums are shaking the roof of Bannermans along with Coni’s bass lines; this is like early Black Sabbath but on a Pink Floyd trip. Stunning stuff. The band end a fantastic night of music with “Automatical Soul”, a real sing-along song with Coni on vocals. Martin’s guitar weaves a sonic vibe around the whole track while the drums keep a tribal beat going. Just brilliant.
I must admit, I’ve struggled to write this review because how do you describe perfection? Capsula are a soul-infused, psychedelic, fuzz-driven bundle of joy. I haven’t been able to stop playing the band’s albums since the show. Go catch them live if you can; they are a band rooted in 60s and 70s influences mixed with punk, garage, heavy psych, and surf rock. It was an absolute joy to watch them tonight. Come back soon!
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Pics by Gary Cooper
