Edinburgh Summer Sessions 2019: Indie-pop veterans James mix up 90s hits with modern tunes at Princes Street Gardens gig

The band James perform in Princes Street Gardens as part of the Summer Sessions. Pic: Greg Macvean

They’ve been a thing since the early eighties, cutting their Mancunian teeth supporting the likes of the mighty Fall and the Smiths back then and they must be the only band in history to turn down an album deal with Factory records, instead recording an EP for them.

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They’re not fans of the outdoor gig sound limiters, tonight lamenting that they have to alternate slow, quiet songs with their more raucous outings and also advising the crowd that they’re not allowed to sing along. Best of luck with that.

A wee tech issue with the bass causes a bit of an improv moment a few songs in but as it leads to a superb, pared back version of their biggest hit (and wedding favourite) Sit Down, which saw front man Tim Booth getting in about the front rows, nobody minded.

Big hits Laid and Come Home complete the main section and more 90s fan favourites Sounds and Top Of The World ended the evening.

All in, an excellently tight performance from a reliably quality outfit.

James – 15th August – Princes Street Gardens

5 out of 7 stars