Last October, on a particularly wet, windy and stormy day, I ventured into Tenement Trail to catch Kerr Mercer opening the day at Saint Lukes. I was quite taken by the buzz around the area as fans and bands headed to BAaD to pick up wristbands and to check in.
I couldn't hang around due to a family engagement, but I vowed to return in 2024.
Return I did. My friend Joe and I headed toward the Barrowland, BAaD and Saint Luke's for just after 1pm and literally as we picked up our wristbands the heavens opened and the blue skies turned to grey. The rain battered it down, so we opted to head to stay exactly where we were and grab a beer and some lunch in the BAaD courtyard - thankfully covered!
Yesandmaybe were on next and they absolutely blew me away. I can't recall seeing a band so perfectly formed at such an early stage since .... probably Chvrches. Joe and I caught them line checking and they had quite the set up. It turns out that yesandmaybe are a Scottish/French duo who met online and worked up an album that way. Live, they were amplified by an ace drummer (Craig who was formerly in Twin Atlantic), bass and additional guitars/synths.
Think The Strokes crossed with Phoenix. Gigi (I think) from France is an exceptionally inventive guitarist, while the singer (I didn't catch his name) played soaring stadium synth riffs and sang with a similar cool distorted effect on his vocals like Julian Casablancas.
Every song sounded like a potential single. Train To Nowhere is apparently the title of their forthcoming debut album (they already have that in the bag, despite this being their second gig) and thr title track sounded impeccable. Songs like God Isn't Real and Bloody Madness also sounded sublime. Dressed in sharp black suits, the band looked as sharp and cool as their songs. 100% ones to watch.
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DEFINITELY YES - yesandmaybe in Barrowland 2
While tempted to stay in the Barrowland 2, Joe and I opted for some fresh air and a walk round to BAaD to see a band called Dallas Love Field, simply because we liked the name. We enjoyed the band too! The four piece created a glorious shoegaze, psychedelic racket with some dreamy lead vocals. Some of the lead guitar work was reminiscent of the sounds Nick McCabe would create on the first Verve singles and album. I'd definitely go and catch them live again. There is little information about them online at present, but it sounds like they made their live debut at BLOC in March 2023 and are now working with Jason Shaw who has previously worked with Ride. Sounds like a good match! I can imagine them releasing on the Sonic Cathedral label that Andy Bell is involved with.
After catching up with a couple of friends, a further walk led us to The Gate, a beautiful speakeasy style pub across the road from The Barrowland. We arrived in time for most of a secret acoustic set by Slix, a band from Greenock that my friend Joe (a native of that part of the world) had his eye on. We somehow managed to get a seat at the far side of the bar and enjoyed the few songs we heard, that included a cover of Digsy's Dinner by Oasis. Slightly odd choice of cover, but hey.
Exiting on to the Gallowgate we decided that more food was in order, handy as we were right outside Ho Lee Fook, a super cool Thai street food 'hole in the wall' type place that is becoming an Instagram hit. Having sampled their food before, I was delighted to go back. They were in demand, so Joe and I had 20-25 minutes to kill, so we opted for a nearby Celtic bar for a quick beer.
We then took our food back to BAaD for TTSSFU from Manchester. More cool shoegazey sounds from the 4-piece who looked super delighted to be up in Glasgow and playing in such a large venue to a packed crowd.
That is one thing Tenement Trail has going for it, the festival puts (often) fledgling bands on big stages to crowds way bigger than they would normally play to. It's a little sink or swim, definitely an incredible opportunity.
Last up for me, as I had yet another prior family engagement, was a trip back to the Barrowland to see Greenock boys Slix on the main stage. They pulled a sizeable crowd and seem to be on the up as they have announced a headline show at The Garage in April.
We didn't catch all of their set as I was getting picked up and Joe decided to head to Saint Luke's where he caught some of Imogen and the Knife, Parliamo and then headliners Neon Waltz who he particularly enjoyed.
Congratulations to Tenement Trail on a fantastic 10th anniversary festival. I remember when it started up at the top of Sauchiehall Street. It is amazing to see how it has grown to become an absolute staple in the Scottish music calendar. I hope to attend next year.
