Having bought my tickets for this back in September, it felt like this was taking forever to come round but my god it was worth the wait! Eight of the best Scottish bands around along with one of the best English bands around made this an event that was not to be missed. Also for the tiny amount of £15 this was one of the bargains of the year. I was also looking forward to it as it was the first time I had been to SWG3 , great venue by the way.
After doing a few interviews before things got underway, it left me with just enough time to head upstairs to grab a pint and take my place before the first band started.
First to kick off the days proceedings were The Vanities. The indie punk band are no stranger to Discovery Music readers, having played in Dundee back in October for the This Feeling gig. However this was my first time getting to see them and I was not disappointed. They are a band that are full of energy and put everything into their set all whilst enjoying it, something that I always like to see. I cannot wait to see these guys again in 2019, a band everybody should keep an eye on.
Next up to take to the stage downstairs were Crystal. Before they took to the stage I managed to get a wee chat with the band. Lovely folk. Having also saw them perform at Electric Fields in the summer, I was really looking forward to getting to chance to seem them play live again. They have a sound that makes them unique in what is a big Scottish music scene. I particularly think Anna Shields' vocals are a huge asset to the band, I could listen to her sing all day. If you have the chance to see them play a gig near you then I would highly recommend going. You won't be disappointed.
Back upstairs kicking off their set were the fantastic Walt Disco. Having recently saw them for the first time live in Dundee at the Off The Record event, it was great to get the chance to see them again so soon. Much like Crystal, they have something about them that make them stand out in the music scene. Their dress scene also makes them stand out and its fantastic to see people expressing themselves. The lead singers vocals really reminds me of the late Billy Mackenzie, lead singer of Dundee band The Associates. Its hard to describe but look up Party Fears Two or Country Club and you'll see exactly what I mean. Can't wait to see these guys playing live again in the near future. Very very good set from the band.
Upstairs once more and this time on stage it was Voodoos turn to take to the stage. They are a band that I've only recently came across and I wish I had done sooner. They have brilliant energy and leaves you wanting more with a feeling of disappointment that its over so soon. With brilliant tunes such as Stockholm and my personal favourite song Garden Ornaments, 2019 looks like its going to be a big year for the band and are definitely one to watch.Looking forward to seeing them take to a stage near me very soon.
Next on stage upstairs were one of my favourite bands of 2018, Rascalton. Having seen them play in my hometown of Dundee to playing the main stage at the Electric Fields festival, it has been a superb year for the 4 piece Glasgow band. This was the most rowdy crowd I have seen at their gigs yet and it was brilliant to see people enjoying themselves. I think they saved their best performance of the year for this gig. They seem to be right up for it from the very first note that they played. They included my favourite song called Slow It Down Joe in the set list. I just wish that they would put it on Spotify! They also played 'Police' and 'This Is It' which are also brilliant live tunes. 2019 really has the potential to take the band to the next level.
We went back downstairs again and this time on the stage were Glasgow's own, Lucia. I have been following the journey that they have been on in 2018 with a keen eye. I finally got to see them live when they took to the stage at the electric Fields festival at the end of August. Lucia stage presence and vocals are mesmerising and it's very rare nowadays to see a lead singer like that. I love their song Melted Ice Cream, always brilliant to hear that played live. Like the bands previously I think 2019 is also going to be a big year for the band.
The final band to take to the upstairs stage were John O'Groats very own Neon Waltz. They have had a brilliant 2018 including support slots with noel Gallagher and the DMA'S. I have saw them a number of times now and each time the performance has got better and better. It was only last week that I saw them play at the famous Glasgow Barrowlands venue supporting DMA'S. Just like that night they absolutely smashed this one too. Playing to the biggest audience the upstairs stage had seen all day, they rattled through the setlist playing songs such as Dreamers and the recent new tune The Stranger Things. A great performance from the band and one the crowd loved.
The penultimate band to take to the downstairs stage were my favourite finds of 2018, The Blinders. Having seen them for the first time at King Tuts in Glasgow in February I have followed them very closely ever since. With the release of their debut album Columbia, the band's music has reached a wider audience and helped them gain a strong Scottish following. Their live show's also are incredible, for a three piece band they make such a big noise which draws you in and leaves you wanting more. The crowd went nuts for them, leading to mosh pits starting up all over the crowd. Before the gig I managed to get an interview with the band, great bunch of lads who couldn't be nicer. Their stage persona's are completely different,lots of attitude with the music letting them express themselves which is what I love to see from a band. Just like all the Scottish bands, I am hotly tipping these English rockers to reach new levels in 2019 and it would be absolutely justified in my opinion. If you haven't saw them live then why the hell not? Make it a new years resolution and go and see them. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Finally it was time for the headliners and one of the organisers of the event to step onto the stage. Baby Strange absolutely smashed it. 2018 has been a quiet year for the band, focusing on being in the studio writing an recording music. I first saw them live in Dundee in 2017 and have been hooked on their music since. They played through a set which contained all their best live tunes, such as Pure Evil and it was brilliant to hear their latest single release Job In The City live for the first time, if this is the type of the band are going to be releasing in 2019 then I cannot wait. I managed to catch up with Johnny from Baby Strange for a quick chat before the gig and that will be posted soon. It was great to meet somebody I have wanted to interview for a while. Overall a superb performance from the band to announce that they are back in the live music scene and their return to live gigs is extremely welcomed by me especially.
If I was to describe the event in two words it would be fantastic bargain. For only £15 ( steal of the 2018 ) you were able to see nine of the hottest bands around. If these bands all go on to have a superb 2019 then that price will be even more of a steal. Great day out at the superb SWG3 venue.
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