Photo: WENN
It would have seemed almost inconceivable five years ago to think that Glasvegas would be playing venues the size of London’s Scala in 2013. Don’t get us wrong, there is nothing inherently substandard about the vintage King’s Cross venue - but let’s not forget that at around the time of Glasvegas’ 2008 eponymous debut, their s career looked set for the stratosphere.
An underwhelming second album (in terms of sales at least), a subsequent record label split, and partial change of line-up, however, appear to have taken their toll on the band’s trajectory. All this adds up to one fact which was evident in abundance tonight: Glasvegas, and in particular idiosyncratic frontman James Allan, have something to prove.
They open with the title track from their newly released third record Later... When the TV Turns to Static, which is propelled by Jonna Lofgren’s monolithic drumming, and complemented by a mesmerising concoction of strobe lights and Spector-esque wall of sound (although this show is more Ravonettes than Ronettes).
The remainder of the set comprises of the more recent additions to the Glasvegas back-catalogue (if being particularly enthralling) and highlights from second album Euphoric/Heartbreak, as well the numerous anthems from the aforementioned critically acclaimed debut. Throughout though, it is Allan’s guttural Gaelic howl that beguiles and enraptures in equal measure. Perhaps the highlight of the evening is when Allan takes to the stage alone to perform 'Flowers and Football Tops' - the lack of the otherwise omnipresent wall of feedback only acts to elevate the haunting tale of tragic loss high above its album version alter-ego.
The finale of 'Lots Sometimes' and the fact that the band leave all those gathered begging for more by refusing to play the seemingly obligatory encore means that tonight really is a triumph for the men from North of the border. Point prove.
