Qulture Magazine

Words & Photos: Madi Briggs

After a very pleasant car ride from Dunfermline to Glasgow and a brief struggle with security that involved a fire exit and a scathing acceptance of my Young Scot, I finally made it into the best place to spend a Friday night – Roccos Music Lounge for an evening filled with pure entertainment thanks to Vaesen.

Having already witnessed their talent at Sneaky Pete’s earlier this month, I couldn’t help but be excited to watch them at work as a headline band this time and, let me tell you, I was not left disappointed. Before the main act came on, four fabulous support bands helped to get the energy going for the big event. Taking the stage first was Bambitos. A four piece with a sound much more confident than their short time being a band would typically suggest. Playing hits off their debut EP, ‘Clubcard Studios Presents’, it was clear to see that the audience were having a good time and I mean, who wouldn’t? The drinks were slowly flowing (well, a Coke for me…) and Bambitos had this easy going stage presence that immediately helped to get listeners hooked onto their rock sound.

Then Glaswegian SKELP, and Aberdonian Calm Attack were up next. Two slightly different vibes but both equally as brilliant as the other. Think along the lines of Wunderhorse and Soundgarden respectively. I was blown away with what each had to offer, searing guitar riffs, catchy drums and in the case of SKELP, a general air of confidence that other bands find hard to master.

Finally, it was Cover Up’s turn to take to the stage. Two lead singers making for double the fun, I would definitely go back to see them perform again. More dialled down than the others, it was refreshing to hear such a mix of styles under one roof and after playing an awesome cover of Bruno Mars’ ‘Locked Out Of Heaven’ as well as some originals like ‘Bad Romance’ and ‘Long Distance’, I have a very good feeling about them if they keep on doing what they’re doing now.

After what felt like forever, it was finally time for Vaesen to take to the stage and they were well worth the wait. Even though they played for an hour, time passed in a blink of an eye. It’s official, indie rock is back and better than ever! With growling bass lines (Max Berry) and Josh Mcguigan’s powerful vocals that knock your socks off, the quartet are made for the stage. Finishing every track to a deafening round of applause, it’s always lovely to see talent getting the recognition that they deserve and this definitely happened here. Although, the one that received the most love was their newest single ‘On Repeat’ that they released earlier in the week. It’s a fitting name because that’s what’s been happening in my house lately thanks to the chunky chords (Jay Dalton) and Ross Duncan’s drums that are so nasty they wouldn’t be out of place in the back of a bin lorry.

Having already got another gig lined up for Nice N’ Sleazy’s on the 17th of April (which I would absolutely implore you to get a ticket for, you’ll definitely catch me front row), I wouldn’t be surprised if the next time they played Glasgow, it would be in an even bigger venue.

Although, the thing that draws me to them most is their genuine gratefulness and appreciation of everyone who comes to a show, the “thank you” after every song and the way each member’s face lights up after every finishing note. They could be playing to a crowd of 10 or 100 and they’ll still put the same amount of time and love into each show to ensure that audiences get to witness the best performance that they can. It’s something that even the big guns sometimes forget to do and it showcases  how music means everything to Vaesen, which is always lovely to see.

Overall, Vaesen put on a show that I’m not going to forget anytime soon. Three and a half hours of total bliss with only a few minor technical hitches on the way (SKELP’s guitars refusing to play ball…), it’s hard to imagine a better gig to have kickstarted my weekend!