Live Review

Glasvegas – Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

• 2nd Apr 2011

Glasvegas have been the target of many a newspaper column inch lately, both musically and personally. The Scot’s now have the tough task of proving to the world that they can replicate the success of their critically acclaimed debut album, and not become tabloid fodder with nothing to back it up.

Living beneath a media spotlight has many a drawback and the personal life and recreational habits of the mouthpiece of one of the finest bands produced on these shores in recent years is certainly not off limits. The sceptics amongst us would point to the fact the storeys have only broken now, with a much anticipated 2nd full album on the horizon – Any press is good press. But do Glasvegas still have what it takes to fulfil the enormous promise shown on their 2008 self titled debut?

There is an obvious visual sign of change as soon as the band enter the stage. Gone are the all-black costumes of their previous sets, as James Allan swaggers on dressed head to toe in all white – the dark sunglasses do remain throughout the show however, except for the odd raise to see the audience. Jonna Löfgren has replaced Caroline McKay behind the drum stool but apart from that it’s as you were.

The wall of noise kicks in and you are immediately reminded why this bunch matter so much. New songs “Euphoria, Take my Hand” and “The World is Yours” are so aptly euphoric and epic that they send a tingle down the spine. This is what Glasvegas do best, massive melodies, gigantic climactic choruses and heartfelt meaningful lyrics – Not a bad combination.

Glasvegas are quite a self indulgent bunch, most notably tonight on ‘Flowers and Football Tops‘, where James Allan drags out every word as if the song is never going to end, but the vocals are delivered so beautifully and hauntingly you would be a fool not to just stare in amazement and enjoy it. The sing-a-longs are still there in abundance, ‘Geraldine’ and ‘Go Square Go’ are belted back at the stage word perfectly and the band look generally moved during the latter.

New album ‘EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK\’ has all the ingredients to take Glasvegas to the very top and with live performances like tonight’s, the music world is all the better for their long awaited return.