The Kelvingrove bandstand bathed in the evening sunlight is a stunning sight. Encircled by towering trees, it provides the ideal setting for the “Summer Nights at the Bandstand” concert series. Today marks one of the finest summer days the city has experienced this year, prompting the audience to arrive early and enjoy a few drinks in the sun before the evening’s music begins.
Opening the show is Joon from Malta, who receives a warm welcome from the audience. She sings along to a backing track, covering the entire stage with her dancing and expressive actions. She shares with the audience that she wanted to try haggis and enjoyed it so much that she had it for both breakfast and lunch, expressing her love for it. She captivates the crowd with her songs and music.
It was time for the main act as the packed Glasgow Amphitheatre eagerly awaited the Baltimore band Future Islands. As the intro music played, the band members took their positions on stage. The first glimpse of frontman Samuel T. Herring was met with excitement. He introduced the opening song, “King of Sweden,” which was inspired by his time living in Sweden before the COVID-19 pandemic. Dancing energetically around the stage, Herring used his body and facial expressions to convey the song’s emotions, captivating the audience. He then chatted with the crowd, expressing his gratitude for their support over the years and noting how great it felt to be back in the city. “You have always been a wonderful audience for us,” he said. “We’ve been playing for over 18 and a half years and have performed in more than 1,300 shows during that time.
The band continued their set by exploring their extensive catalogue. Samuel, sweat streaming down his face, energetically covered every inch of the stage, much to the delight of the Glasgow audience. Highlights of the performance included “The Tower,” “Plastic Beach,” “Light House,” and “The Sickness.” These tracks thrilled the crowd, who danced and sang along with the band.
Joon, the support artist, joined the band on stage to perform “Shadows,” which sounded absolutely amazing. Between songs, Samuel shared stories of his youth and expressed how much he misses those days. During “Seasons (Waiting on You),” he had the audience in the palm of his hand, jumping, crawling, and standing, fully engaging with the front of the crowd that was jumping along with him. The band concluded their set with the brilliant “Tin Man” before leaving the stage.
The crowd, eager for more, cheered as the band returned to the stage for a short encore. The brief break allowed them to catch their breath after their whirlwind main set. The encore featured songs like “Vireo’s Eye” and “Corner of My Eye,” delighting the audience. However, after a two-hour performance, it was time for the final song. They bid farewell to the fantastic Bandstand audience with “Little Dreamer.” Samuel, ever the energetic frontman, continued his dynamic stage presence and dancing from the first song to the last. His vocal performance remained stellar throughout, and his emotion and energy were intense until the final note. As the band waved goodbye, the Glasgow crowd departed with huge smiles, having witnessed an incredible set.
If you have never had the opportunity to see Future Islands perform live, you are truly missing out on an extraordinary experience. This band is renowned not only for their beautifully crafted songs but also for their electrifying stage presence that captivates audiences from the very first note. Their live performances are a mesmerizing blend of raw energy, emotional depth, and impeccable musicianship. Each show is a testament to their passion for music and their dedication to delivering an unforgettable experience for their fans. Don’t just take my word for it; seeing Future Islands live is something you need to witness to fully appreciate the magic they bring to the stage.
Review and Photographs by James Edmond Photography