I usually kick things off with a note about the weather — but since it’s Glasgow in October, you can do the maths (or math if you’re reading this Stateside).
Nova Twins are making gigantic waves right now, so when the chance came up to cover them, we jumped faster than their basslines. The duo are currently tearing through the UK on their ‘Parasites & Butterflies’ tour, an album that’s been showered with praise and seems destined to propel them to the very top.
SWG3 was already buzzing by the time Ashain White opened proceedings. Hailing from that London, she came armed with a huge voice and even bigger stage presence. Her set went down a storm — the wee tartan kilt and the massive smile didn’t hurt either.
Next up were Hot Wax, a three-piece brimming with unfiltered energy. Think grungy rock with a splash of chaos — struts, screams, and enough guitar fuzz to sand a table. Occasionally more noise than nuance, but still a cracking set that left the room nicely warmed up.
By the time the Nova Twins were due, a quick glance around showed the venue wasn’t quite packed to the rafters, but it was buzzing with anticipation — and that’s usually a good omen. You could feel this was going to be something special.
And then it was…
The lights dropped, the intro music rolled, and suddenly they were there — decked out with subtle tartan touches, kicking straight into ‘Black Roses’. Without so much as a pause for breath they dove into ‘Sandman’, and the place erupted.
Their blend of raw rock energy, slick riffs, and spitfire rap hit like an electric shock. The lighting tech seemed to be paid by the button press — strobes, smoke, chaos — but it all fit perfectly. The moody, dark atmosphere wrapped itself around the sound like a fog machine of fury.
‘Cleopatra’, ‘Piranha’, ‘Hummingbird’ — the hits, future hits, and “should’ve-been” hits came thick and fast. The venue felt full, the noise was ferocious, and the crowd fed off every beat.
The most impressive thing wasn’t the music, the sound or the tartan look – it was the command. The command of the stage and the command of the crowd. Nova Twins owned SWG3 for that all too short period of time!
Whoever told me Nova Twins were “good” sold them short — they’re not good, they’re not even very good. They’re blooming amazing. One of the best live shows I’ve seen in years.
When can I go see them again?
I tried; I really tried… Glasgow was cold and wet obviously!
Review and Photographs by John Brown Photography
