On a sweltering day in Glasgow, enthusiastic fans formed a long line outside the Swg3 venue, located in the vibrant west end of the city. Anticipation was high among the crowd, eager to experience a live performance featuring songs from “Interplay,” the band’s latest album which debuted in March. The release has garnered considerable attention, and devotees of the band were excited to hear how the new tracks would translate live on stage.
Tonight’s show kicks off with an electrifying performance by the outstanding band, Junodream, hailing from London. As they take to the stage, the venue is instantly illuminated by dazzling, flashing lights, and the air fills with their trance-like music, setting a captivating mood. Junodream’s sound is distinctively unique, reminiscent of early Radiohead, which clearly resonates with the audience.
During their brief but memorable support set, Junodream treats the crowd to some of their standout tracks. Notable among these is “Kitchen Sink Drama,” a song that showcases their ability to blend intricate lyrics with compelling melodies. They also perform “The Beach,” a track that carries the audience away with its evocative vibes and thoughtful storytelling. Another highlight of their set is the exceptional “Dream United,” which further cements their reputation as a band with both depth and appeal.
Junodream’s performance undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression on the Glasgow crowd. Their brilliant set not only demonstrates their musical prowess but also firmly establishes their mark in the hearts of the audience, ensuring that their music will be remembered and cherished by those who witnessed it.
The stage was set for Ride’s highly anticipated return to the city. Currently on the road promoting their latest album, “Interplay,” the band’s lineup, consisting of Loz Colbert, Mark Gardener, Andy Bell, and Steve Queralt, were in exceptional form right from the start. They kicked off their set with dynamic performances of “Monaco” and “Portland Rocks,” both of which were met with rapturous applause by the enthusiastic Glasgow crowd. Mark expressed his joy at being back, mentioning, “It’s good to be back in Glasgow,” as the audience’s cheers reverberated through the venue, virtually raising the roof.
The band skilfully blended a mix of old and new tracks, much to the delight of their fans. It was impressive to see how seamlessly the new songs integrated into their setlist, feeling as though they had always been a part of their repertoire. The crowd’s response to both the classic and recent material highlighted the timeless appeal of Ride’s music and the strong connection they maintain with their audience.
The band delivered an electrifying performance that enthralled the audience with a mix of both their timeless classics and vibrant new tracks. Longtime followers were particularly delighted as the set list featured iconic songs such as “Dreams Burn Down,” “Vapour Trail,” “Kill Switch,” and “Seagull.” These tracks have resonated deeply with fans over the years and hearing them live brought a wave of nostalgia and excitement.
Adding to the excitement, the band also showcased some of their latest work, treating the audience to an impressive lineup of new songs. Standouts included the captivating “Peace Sign,” the introspective “I Came to See The Wreck,” and the energetically appealing “Monaco.” These new additions were performed with such passion and precision, they highlighted the band’s ongoing evolution and their ability to continuously engage their audience with fresh, compelling music..
Currently, the band Ride is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity, and this was unmistakably evident during their recent performance. The joy was palpable on the faces of Mark Gardener and Andy Bell as they witnessed the enthusiastic crowd engaging with their music through spirited sing-alongs and lively dancing. Their set was charged with energy, delivering a potent mix of sound that captivated the audience from start to finish. However, as with all good things, their show eventually had to conclude. The band ended their performance with a particularly striking rendition of their song “Seagull,” which earned them a thunderous round of applause from the captivated Glasgow crowd, clearly pleased with the night’s entertainment.
The band made their way back to the stage and immediately delved into their performance, starting with “Light In A Quiet Room” from their Interplay album, followed by “Leave Them All Behind” from the Going Blank Again album. As the atmosphere in the venue charged with excitement, Mark addressed the audience, announcing that they were about to play their final song of the evening. The anticipation was electric as the opening chords of “Chelsea Girl” began to resonate through the space. The crowd responded with enthusiastic vigour, singing along passionately, each word echoing through the venue as they paid homage to the beloved Ride classic.
As the final notes of the song faded, the band members stepped forward, ready to take their bow. The vibrant crowd in Glasgow, who had spent the entire evening dancing, singing, and revelling in a spirit reminiscent of the legendary Barrowland Ballroom days, cheered enthusiastically. Tonight was truly an unforgettable experience. For anyone contemplating whether to catch this band on their current tour, my advice is simple: don’t think twice. Take the opportunity and go see them; you’re guaranteed an exhilarating experience that you won’t soon forget.
Review & Photographs by James Edmond
