It wasn’t your usual Monday night, that’s for sure, as large numbers of Scottish followers were found burrowed within the Hi-Fi bar, supporting their fellow Scots with a strong sense of national pride. Either way, Glasvegas made it feel like a Friday.
To heat up the stage was Australia’s own Belles will Ring, performing songs off their recently released album Crystal Theatre. The band projected confidence and it was obvious that their efforts were well rehearsed. The band played a style of music reminiscent of the 1960s, similar to that of Jefferson Airplane. Lauren Crew jumbled between instruments, playing everything from tambourine, harmonica and piano to vocals and even a flute. The audience watched on animatedly as they anticipated what else she would whip out.
‘Come to the Village’ took the crowd on a harmonic journey, inviting them to get lost in their elusive yet angelic lyrical sound, while another crowd pleaser was to be found in ‘Street Light Stomp’, driven by a more classic rocker vibe.
The interlude was a rather lengthy, but much needed, one. More and more bodies poured into the venue in the lead up to Glasvegas’ set, pushing and pulling to get their spot in the crowd. As the roadies began their sound check, a new energy washed over the talkative audience. Eventually, the lights gradually dimmed into a blackout, until green and blue lights flashed brightly and unexpectedly, stunning the audience to a near silence.
The introduction created an almost dreamlike atmosphere, and the Glaswegian men marched on stage, beckoning uproars from the crowd. A group of three rowdy Scottish men sang along loudly to the opener, and front man James Allan, astonished by their dedication and sheer volume, pointed the microphone in their direction, encouraging them to sing on.
Allan’s vocals soared effortlessly with much vivacity, touching the hearts of both men and women in the crowd. Alongside him, his matured band mates cruised through the set with similar ease. Between songs, they engaged in a bit of witty banter, amusing the audience with their recount of an odd experience they’d had, involving an older woman flashing her lady bits.
The lighting also played a huge part in the set; deep colours reflecting the roughness and jaggedness of life were mirrored with strobing lights, sudden stillness and rich colours.
The set was heavy with songs from their latest offering, Euphoric Heartbreak, perhaps for the benefit of drummer Jonna Lofgren, who was only added to the fold very recently. The audience seemed to be happy with this decision, with songs ‘Shine Like the Stars’ and ‘Euphoria Take My Hand’ receiving an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
As the time dawned for Glasvegas to depart, they showed their gratitude by blowing kisses into the crowd. With the stage now empty, the crowd passionately screamed “More!” urging Glasvegas to return to thestage.
Honouring the audience’s wishes, they returned to rock out one more time with a stunning performance of ‘Daddy Gone’, making for a brilliant ending to a brilliant night.
– Rachel McLaren
