Tonight, the vibrant city of Glasgow is set to host an exciting musical event featuring Australia’s own Ocean Alley and Hockey Dad, as part of their extensive European and UK tour. Enthusiastic fans from across the city and beyond have converged early at the venue, eager to secure prime spots for viewing. Their early arrival also underscores their anticipation for the local support act, Girls Speak French, who are expected to warm up the crowd with their dynamic performance.
The audience tonight is notably diverse, spanning various age groups. This mix of young and older fans is a testament to the universal appeal of the bands’ music, which transcends generational boundaries and brings together people from all walks of life through their shared love for music. The atmosphere is charged with excitement as fans of all ages prepare to experience a night of memorable performances in Glasgow.
As the venue doors opened and the crowd began to filter in, anticipation was electric in the air. It was the perfect moment for the opening band to make their entrance. Comprising four talented musicians, this alternative band captured the attention of their hometown crowd with a performance that was both brief and electrifying.
Their set, though short, was packed with energy and showcased their unique sound—a blend that evidently resonated well with the audience. A standout moment of their performance was their rendition of “Britpop Genius,” a number that exemplified their musical prowess and left the audience clamouring for more.
This band, with their robust sound and exceptional vocal talent, is truly a gem in the music scene. Their ability to engage and excite the audience is noteworthy, making them a must-see act. For those looking for new music that packs a punch and carries the emotional weight of well-crafted lyrics and melodies, this band comes highly recommended. Catching a live performance by this group is an opportunity not to be missed, and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Coming up next, we have the opportunity to experience the incredible Hockey Dad, hailing all the way from Australia. This marks our first occasion witnessing the band perform live, and the anticipation is palpable as we look forward to their set. Composed of three talented musicians, Hockey Dad brings a unique twist to surf rock that seems to effortlessly energize the audience.
The lineup includes Billy Flemming, who showcases his skills on the drums, alongside Steve Bourke, who complements with his adept bass playing. Frontman Zach Stephenson rounds out the group, captivating the crowd with his impressive vocal performances. Together, they create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that is a joy to behold.
During their performance in Glasgow, Hockey Dad treated the audience to a mix of both classic hits and fresh tracks, including standout songs like “Bass Camp” and “Safety Pin”. Their music resonated well with the crowd, a mix of longtime fans and newcomers, many of whom were proudly wearing the band’s merchandise and singing along enthusiastically to every song.
The energy in the room was electric, with the band visibly enjoying the interaction and the vibrant response from the Glasgow fans. This connection made the concert not just a performance, but a shared experience among the band and their audience, highlighting the universal appeal and infectious spirit of Hockey Dad’s music.
The band closed their set with a band with the excellent Seaweed, I Missed Out and delighted their fans in the SWG3 with closing their set with Join The Club. The band received a great reception and will have gained a load more fans that are sure to fill in to Saint Lukes on the 19th March 2025. This is a band you should give a listen to and check them out in concert, you won’t be disappointed. The band seemed overwhelmed by the response they got from the Glasgow audience as the left the stage.
Following the opening acts, the stage was set for the main event, the renowned band Ocean Alley. Hailing from New South Wales, Australia, Ocean Alley has captured the attention of international audiences, embarking on an extensive tour across the United Kingdom and Europe. This tour celebrates their acclaimed album “Low Altitude Living,” which has resonated widely with fans and critics alike. The band is composed of six talented members: Baden Donegal on vocals, Angus Goodwin handling the guitar duties, Lach Galbraith on keyboards, Mitch Galbraith also on guitar, Nic Blom on bass, and Tom O’Brien keeping the rhythm on drums. Their unique sound and dynamic performances have made them a must-see act in the global music scene.
This marked our first experience witnessing the band perform live, a moment we had eagerly awaited after enjoying their music through various recordings. As the band made their entrance onto the stage, they were met with an enthusiastic and hearty reception from the Glasgow crowd. The joy was palpable on the band members’ faces as they soaked in the warm welcome.
They kicked off their set with “Touch Back Down,” a captivating track from their latest album. The audience, already in high spirits, responded with fervor, singing along and dancing to the melody. It was clear from the onset that the Glasgow fans were thoroughly enjoying every moment, their excitement only amplifying as the band continued with favorites like “Knees,” “The Comedown,” and the particularly stunning “Yellow Mellow.”
The band’s unique sound—a delightful blend of Soft Rock, Soul, and Reggae—truly set them apart. This distinctive musical style, combined with the charismatic presence of Baden, their lead vocalist, whose infectious smile and engaging performance further captivated the audience, made the concert an unforgettable experience. The synergy between the band and the crowd was magical, creating an atmosphere filled with energy, joy, and a shared love for music.
The atmosphere was electric as the audience, in fine spirits, enthusiastically sang along to a mix of both classic hits and fresh tracks. Notable among the evening’s lineup were the songs “Paradise a Burn,” and “Partner In Crime.” These particular tracks resonated deeply, enveloping the venue in a comforting warmth. The passion of the Glasgow crowd was palpable, their fervent singing and lively dancing creating an infectious energy. It was impossible not to get swept up in the excitement, feeling an overwhelming urge to participate in the jubilant celebration that was the Ocean Alley concert, unfolding vibrantly all around.
As the concert neared its climax, anticipation hung heavy in the air. The Glasgow crowd, always passionate and vocal, was buzzing with excitement, eager for the band to play the hit that everyone had been waiting for. True to form, the band did not let their fans down. They launched into a rendition of their popular song “Confidence,” which electrified the atmosphere and practically lifted the roof off the venue. The audience’s enthusiastic singing resonated throughout the space, creating a memorable and unified moment of musical euphoria.
The band continued to ride this high energy, transitioning seamlessly into their next number—a well-received cover of Player’s classic, “Baby Come Back.” This was followed by another standout performance of their own track “Happy Sad,” which further showcased their versatility and depth as musicians.
As the final notes faded and the band made their way off stage, there was a palpable sense of satisfaction mixed with a longing for more. The energy from both the band and the audience suggested a mutual desire to continue this electric connection. It was clear that as they exited, the band was already looking forward to their next opportunity to return and reignite the fervent spirit of the Glasgow crowd.
After a brief intermission, the band returned to the stage, their faces lit with smiles as they waved enthusiastically to the eagerly awaiting crowd. Ocean Alley then began to perform their closing number, “Lemonworld,” a standout track from their album “Lost Topics.” The choice of this song was impeccable, serving as the ideal finale to what had already been an extraordinary performance. As the last chords of “Lemonworld” resonated through the venue, the audience’s applause and cheers reached a deafening crescendo, filling the space with an electric atmosphere. The band members took a moment to express their gratitude, bidding a heartfelt farewell to their fans in Glasgow, who continued to cheer long after the music had ended.
This evening marked our initial opportunity to experience a live performance by Ocean Alley, and it was truly spectacular. The band’s music and lyrics are imbued with a profound passion that resonates deeply with the audience. If you happen to find out that Ocean Alley is scheduled to perform at a venue near you, I highly recommend seizing the opportunity. Originating from New South Wales in Australia, this band offers a remarkable musical experience that is not to be missed. Their unique sound and emotional depth in their songs create an unforgettable atmosphere that will leave you wanting more. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the incredible talent of Ocean Alley live in concert.
Review by Karen Edmond Photographs by James Edmond Photography
