Two nights after a huge set at the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony at the OVO Hydro, Elephant Sessions arrived at the Kelvingrove Bandstand with no signs of slowing down. If anyone expected a tired band or an easy-going show, those ideas disappeared as soon as they stepped on stage. From the first notes, the group made it clear they were bringing everything they had. You could feel it right away – this would be a night to remember.
Summer Nights at the Bandstand always draws a lively crowd, and this show was no different. As the sun dipped behind the trees, every seat was taken, and the park was full of quiet excitement. Before the music even started, people were talking, laughing, and waiting for something big. By the end of the night, the bandstand had turned into a massive dancefloor. People of all ages joined in, moving together in the warm air.
Gnoss opened the night and set a strong foundation. Their set mixed old favourites with new songs, played with an ease that comes from real experience. The harmonies rang out clear, and the group’s connection was obvious. Gnoss didn’t just warm up the crowd – they took command and held everyone’s attention. It’s a good reminder of the energy running through Scotland’s folk scene right now.
Elephant Sessions wasted no time once it was their turn. The band burst onto the stage, launching straight into their set without any drawn-out introduction. Euan Smillie’s fiddle cut through the air, bright and sharp. Alasdair Taylor’s mandolin added drive, while Calum MacQuarrie’s bass and Greg Barry’s drums gave the music a solid backbone. The sound filled every corner of the park – direct, bold, and hard to resist.
There’s something different about Elephant Sessions: they aren’t afraid to mix things up. They bring together traditional folk, indie rock, funk, and electronic sounds, creating music that always gets the crowd moving. Within minutes, almost everyone was on their feet, caught up in the momentum.
It isn’t just about technical skill, though the band certainly has plenty. Their sense of timing stands out – slow, careful builds erupt into bursts of energy, and each shift gets a huge reaction from the crowd. These ups and downs kept everyone focused, cheering, and dancing.
One of the standout moments came with “Run”, a brand new track they recorded with Beluga Lagoon. This song was the first Elephant Sessions tune to feature vocals, and it hadn’t been played live before. It brought a fresh edge to their set, leaning further into electronic sounds while still holding onto the strong Celtic roots that make their music unique. That willingness to try new things is part of what keeps their shows exciting.
This approach has always been at the heart of Elephant Sessions. They treat Scottish folk as something alive, always ready to grow and change. Watching them play, it makes sense that they’ve won audiences everywhere from local festivals to major European events.
After such a big moment at the Hydro, the band could have chosen to take things down a notch, but the smaller outdoor setting at Kelvingrove only made for a more intense and personal show. You could see it in the band’s smiles, the way they played off each other, and in the cheers from the crowd. There was a real sense of connection – like everyone there was part of something special.
As night settled in, the energy in the park only grew. Fans crowded the front of the stage, dancing, singing, and making the most of every moment as the band played their final songs. The last notes hung in the air, ending the evening on a high and leaving everyone with a sense of shared celebration.
Elephant Sessions showed again why they have such a strong reputation as a live band. Venue size didn’t matter; what counted was the feeling in the crowd and the music in the air. With this performance, they proved that Scottish folk is still moving forward, carried by bands willing to push the limits and keep things real. This was a show no one will forget any time soon.
Review and Photographs by James Edmond Photography
