Ukulear Fusion: Tiny Strings, Big Feelings

When I think of St Andrews Music Society, I don’t think of the ukulele. Of all the bands, orchestras, and ensembles that the society has to offer, Ukelear Fusion is without a doubt the most unconventional. A group of roughly ten members, they arrange and perform covers of popular music based on the ukulele, and plan to release an album of their work this year.

Prior to the group’s album launch concert, entitled Tiny Strings, Big Feelings, my experience of the ukulele was limited to primary school music classes and the occasional YouTube tutorial. As the performers took their seats, I was fairly confident I knew what to expect — a few simple strumming patterns, maybe an occasional riff, and the same four chords that seem to be synonymous with the Hawaiian instrument. This preconception meant I was shocked, to say the least, when they launched into the first song on their setlist (‘Sun’ by Two Door Cinema Club), accompanied by both an impressive blend of vocal harmonies and an electric guitar. For the next hour or so, I found myself consistently surprised by the group; they employed a range of instruments — including a kazoo — and the arrangements were varied enough that they never once felt predictable or boring. Despite being primarily a ukulele group, the members were clearly talented in a range of musical disciplines, and the vocals in particular were impressive in their own right.

An undeniable highlight for me was their cover of ‘I Want You Back’ by the Jackson Five, during which I noted “they [were] clearly having fun!” This was a recurring theme throughout the concert — the group were quick to laugh off any minor mistake, and their enthusiasm for the music was infectious. Although the show was technically far from perfect, it was fun, inclusive, and genuine, and that brought more to the performance than flawless playing could have. 

The setlist was also refreshingly varied — each member contributed one or two songs which reflected their personal taste, and as a result the performance spanned a wide range of genres and time periods. The friend I dragged along with me was a particular fan of their Wallows cover, whilst some of the older Music Society alumni in the audience clearly enjoyed the Bee Gees mashup that featured towards the end of the set. For everyone in the room, performers and spectators alike, the show was undeniably fun and a welcome break from our studies.

Whilst perhaps not as polished or prestigious as the Music Society’s usual offerings, Ukelear Fusion are a group of undeniably talented musicians. They may not have the large membership or the flawless execution of other ensembles, but what they lacked in these areas, they made up for in energy and enthusiasm. Sitting in the Laidlaw Music Centre, with the sun streaming in through the windows, I found myself having a genuinely good time — and from a small, student-led group of ukulele players, what more could I ask for?

Photo by James Ross