Qulture Magazine

Words & Photos: Madi Briggs

Not only does Sunday bring a chance to reflect on the week gone by but also brings about lots of great gigs, as evidenced by Samantha Shaw and her band The Vagues at Rocco’s Music Lounge. Having listened to her discography including her brand new EP ‘Scottish Skies’ but never having the chance to catch her live, I was eagerly awaiting to see what the night would bring and let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

Kicking off the night was an acoustic set by the incredibly talented Caleb Patrick Duffy and Max Brackenridge. Having already conquered venues such as SWG3 and the infamous Classic Grand through various side projects, it was lovely to see them tackling Glasgow once again and truly helped to set the tone of the night. Playing a couple covers and a few originals thrown in there too, it’s evident that they’re going to go far with the whole music thing so it was such a joy getting to see them before their ticket prices are extortionate!

Then Noah Young and McGarry hit the stage respectively for two stunning solo sets. Two different genres but both equally enjoyable, it was a thrill to see especially when McGarry was considering not doing this show at all (which, and not to be too dramatic, would have been a travesty).

The clock struck nine and it was finally time for the main event. The lights dimmed, phones were out to capture the big reveal and the sound of bagpipes filled the air. Yep, bagpipes. The most Scottish instrument of them all which helped to provide a glimpse into what was to come – this gig was a celebration of not only the band and all that they’ve achieved but also of their home, of Scotland. National pride is a thing usually reserved solely for sports matches but I truly felt it here and I’m certain others did too especially when a fantastic, although slightly stilted (because let’s be real, who really knows all of the lyrics to that song?) rendition of ‘500 Miles’ by Scottish legends The Proclaimers was undertaken which everyone got involved with to varying degrees…

They really seem to have all the makings of a band that is destined to go far; catchy riffs, resounding drums which play in your head well after everything is wrapped up (take my word on this one) and that easy-going stage presence that audiences can immediately relax into. It’s obvious that rehearsals aren’t something that’s rushed but treated like their own mini gigs which effortlessly translates to the real thing.

There were also some moments of tenderness in the set, hidden amongst the pure euphoria such as getting to witness Shaw become a temporary bassist. Bringing out the acoustic guitar, Shaw played the delicate ‘Andy’s Garden’ which was dedicated to her late grandfather and the time she spent with him as a child. Beautiful and poignant, I doubt there was a dry eye in the house.

Just as quickly as it began, the night was almost over. Out of the millions of songs to end the set with, I think Shaw chose the right couple- ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl?’ by JET, ‘Valerie’ by Amy Winehouse and last but not least the classic ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ by Oasis. Accompanied by a few people in the crowd on the tambourine and the whole audience on vocals, it’s cliche to say that music brings people together but sometimes things are cliche for a reason. Worries were abandoned at the door in favour of belting out good tunes with even greater people and even as I was leaving, the faint echoes of JET still spilled out the door and into the chilly Glasgow night. 

So, if you ever find yourself at a loss of how to fill your time, I would strongly suggest seeing if Samantha Shaw and The Vagues are taking the stage by storm, because they’re not going to be playing tiny venues for much longer if they keep putting on performances like the ones they’re doing now.