Words: Mav

Pix: Mav

William Wallace would have been proud of the horde of Scottish invaders that crammed themselves into the Sugarmill on the 28th of August to see weegie natives Glasvegas.

The gig sold out for good reason, as the northern rockers provided an excellent and refreshing show.

Kicking off with Flowers and Football Tops, Glasvegas were right on top and quick to impress. A moody and atmospheric band, they make music that has a haunting, drawn quality which has a uniquely highlands feel to it that is hard to put your finger on. The quality in Glasvegas is that despite being gloomy and dark and all that, their music is quite uplifting and has the spirit of grim determination, rather than a lot of modern ‘dark’ bands which are simply grim.

Fans were made to wait until the end for the band’s hit song Daddy’s Gone, which has helped them really make it as a band and define their sound. Performed live it had a rapturous grip and really treated the fans to a dose of melancholy splendour. Vocalist James Allen’s Scottish accent makes the sound complete and the crowd did their best to mimic it, to his glee. Check out Daddy’s Gone and Geraldine on their myspace, but make sure you have a few tissues to hand first.

Supporting Glasvegas were the Displacements which were competent but boring and predictable. Their songs were at least catchy and upbeat but the same can be said of rabies.

All in all a fine gig and a great night despite the fucking smoke machine, courtesy of a band earmarked for great things, though they could use a few more strings on their bow. Have a looksie.