The Bates Motel – Backstage at the Green, Kinross (16 April 2026)

A new song named "Bloodstains" marked the energetic start to their performance. They played three new songs during the evening: "Bloodstains," "Burned in Flame," and "Factory Road," all taken from their forthcoming album. Inspired by the industrial area where the band practices, "Factory Road" was the pick of the new songs. Its grit and drive suggested exciting future developments.

Alongside the new songs, the band performed old favourites. The transition from "Shape in the Mirror's dark humour to the high-energy pace of "Put Your Hands on the Radio" was seamless. During "Hold On," the mood softened, an effect strengthened by the emotional weight of Les Young's harmonica. The audience chuckled when he confessed mid-set that he'd broken his tambourine, but it was his harmonica playing that truly stood out.

The band skilfully adjusted its style while maintaining momentum throughout the evening. "Talkin' to Jesus" provided a wry plea for something better in a chaotic world; "Amador" showcased pure pop brilliance and was the evening's highlight.

The last run of songs was a rock party. Their AC/DC homage, "Remains to be Seen," gave way to "Bartender," a song that recounts the difficulties of getting a pint in Whitley Bay. The run ended with a triumphant "Blues Ain't Gonna Feed Ya." Described by Davison as a blend of Dr Feelgood and Status Quo, Ally Lees christened it "Dr Quo". Lees announced he would channel his inner Rick Parfitt riffing style before he started this song.

Encores followed as the band tried to squeeze as many songs as possible in before they had to finish. The atmospheric "Bridge Street in the Rain" led into the wistful "I Can See The Stars," which finished the evening off.

Every song showcased the band's obvious confidence and easy chemistry.

At the centre of everything was Chris "Bad Bob Bates" Davison. His vocals and guitar playing led the performance with ease and charm.

Ally Lees's contribution included rock-star guitar and atmospheric keyboards. A single homemade guitar was all he played with for the whole evening. Its integrated electronics made it a perfect fit for his needs. When the chance presented itself, he also couldn't help but tease Davison about his five guitars.

David Coates and Adam Forster's precision and flair, anchoring the set from behind the front line, established a rhythm section with genuine substance.

A minor disappointment, however, was another modest turnout. The band might now know everyone in the audience by their first names. The audience, however, thoroughly enjoyed another evening of excellent music from a band that gets better with each show.