On a crisp autumn night, the OVO Hydro in Glasgow buzzed with an electric anticipation, its tagline heralding a vibrant fusion of sea-shanty breakout pop and stadium-ready alt-rock. At the forefront stood Nathan Evans, a former postal worker turned viral sensation, alongside the dynamic duo of Saint PHNX. Together, they crafted a performance that was undeniably contemporary while paying homage to musical traditions.
Evan McKenna, the evening’s understated opener, warmed the crowd with his quiet confidence as the buzz for the main event crescendoed. With each strum of his guitar and open chords, he conjured a wistful singer-songwriter ambiance, weaving small narratives into expansive anthems with a distinctly Scottish flair. The Radio Clyde competition winner felt right at home on that vast stage, earning enthusiastic applause and gaining new fans along the way.
Following him was Callum Bowie, whose intimate tone sliced through the venue’s ambient hum. While his presence commanded nods of appreciation rather than raucous waves, his charm ignited a spark in the crowd. As the audience sang and danced along to his infectious tunes, it was clear why Callum had won the Nathan Evans fan vote to serve as the main support. He expertly loosened vocal cords and got legs ready to dance the night away. As Callum exited the stage to thunderous applause, the anticipation for Nathan Evans was electric.
The stage crew swiftly transformed the setup, preparing for Nathan and Saint PHNX. A sense of excitement filled the air, with fans of every age packed into the sold-out venue. As the lights dimmed, the moment arrived to welcome Nathan Evans and the Saint PHNX band, complete with a themed bar The Heather Bell and cozy chairs flanking the stage.
This performance marked a significant milestone for them, following their initial show at SWG3, two nights at the iconic Barrowland, and a main stage appearance at the TRNSMT Festival. Now, they stood at the OVO Hydro, a colossal venue with a capacity of 14,000, a testament to their adventurous journey.
As Alan and Steve Jukes took the stage, the crowd erupted, their excitement mounting as they began the intro to “Flowers in the Water.” Nathan positioned himself front and center, igniting the audience into song and dance. He asked if they enjoyed country music before seamlessly transitioning into “Wagon Wheel.”
Nathan and the Jukes possess an incredible ability to captivate their audience, leading them through a journey of music and movement. They played their recent single, “Milarrochy Bay,” with a fervor that flowed into the upbeat “Cotton Eye Joe.” The introduction of a new song, aptly titled “Drinking Song,” resonated with the loyal fans, generating a euphoric response.
As Nathan moved towards the back of the venue, he connected with the crowd from a fresh angle, prompting a sing-along to the Dougie MacLean classic “Caledonia.” He introduced his next song as one stemming from darker times, aware that many in the audience understood those struggles. “Paper Planes,” a poignant track, naturally inspired some fans to create paper planes that soared through the venue.
Following that, Nathan highlighted one of his favorite Saint PHNX songs, “Deadman,” as he returned to the main stage. He unveiled a new piece, destined to be the title track of the band’s upcoming album, “Angels Share.”
The Glasgow audience was poised for an unforgettable party as the band launched into the White Stripes classic “Seven Nation Army,” humorously altered to “No Scotland No Party.” The energy surged as they transitioned into John Denver’s beloved “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The spotlight shifted to a mini stage, where a bagpiper joined the band, adding a stirring touch to their Scotland anthem, “Home.”
The show culminated in a spectacular finale, kicking off with “Arabella,” followed by “Heather on the Hill,” before Nathan closed the night with a remix of the sea shanty that catapulted him to fame, “Wellerman.”
It was an extraordinary night of music, a remarkable highlight for all three artists performing in the city’s largest venue. For Nathan, the transformation from postman to performer in front of 14,000 fans was nothing short of miraculous. As he contemplates the next steps in his musical journey with Saint PHNX, one thing is certain: their adventurous path is far from over. Don’t miss the opportunity to see him live; his vibrant music is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond Photography
