Gig: Bob Vylan @ Galvanizers, Glasgow
Bob Vylan by Isla Kerr
Bob Vylan were infectious as ever at Glasgow's Galvanizers on Wednesday night. The Humble as the Sun tour has seen support from both CLT DRP and Hyphen night-in night-out as the three acts travel across the UK. Glasgow was the halfway mark and all three delivered what can only be described as an inspiring night of charismatic live performances with a lasting political message to boot.
CLT DRP
Rising stars CLT DRP took control of the stage first and it was soon evident how their reputation as one of the most exciting up and coming punk live bands has been garnered. If you tried to describe what a front person of a punk band should be like you'd end up with someone exactly like CLT DRP’S Annie. They swaggered around the stage tonight and made sure there was no confusion on how to pronounce the band's name. “It’s CLIT DRIP, not cult drip, not clt drop, clit drip.”
Daphne, Scott and Annie worked in perfect harmony up on stage with frenzied drumming from Daphne and effortlessly cool guitar playing from Scott. CLT DRP are incredibly impressive live performers. Tonight they rose to a bigger stage with ease, a great indication of what's in store for the years to come.
Hyphen
Crowd satisfaction already at an all time high Hyphen burst onto stage. He gained attention last year with his poignant track Hate Thy Neighbour and with the way the crowd reacted to his arrival tonight he has clearly made a lasting impact. It wasn't long before he climbed down from the stage to march along the speakers in front.
Marching Powder’s witty, close cutting lyrics offered the perfect opportunity for the crowd to get involved. They sang along “What has Dave in the pub got in common with politicians in power” “They absolutely love that Columbian marching powder”.
Hyphen was a breath of fresh air and the perfect taster before Bob Vylan. His tracks have a consistent pounding beat that make them hard, if not impossible, to do anything other than dance and sing along to.
Bob Vylan
As fans headed to the bar to rehydrate and grab a drink after Hyphen's performance they were greeted by a smiling face at the merch desk all too happy to pose for selfies. Who was that face? Well, Bob of Bob Vylan of course. Bob and Bobbie need no introduction, they carved themselves a path in the music scene when they didn’t feel wanted with little assistance from others. Making time for the fans who got them where they are is what Bob Vylan is all about, community. Never too big to make time for their people, even 8 minutes before stage time.
It wouldn't be a Bob Vylan show without their traditional Guided Mediation and Light Stretching to kick off and tonight was no different. It gets the crowd moving from the get-go and sets them apart from the rest. With energy already at an all-time high He’s a Man felt like the igniting of a powder keg. Its lyrics hit all too close to home and were shouted with ferocity by the crowd. A mosh pit near the front grew in size until it stretched across the entire width of the venue.
With the crowd in his grasp, Bob saw his opportunity “We’re the most important band in Britain, we’re the Fred Perry mafia, we’re Bob Vylan”. Moment of attention over he handed “the stage over entirely to the cutest drummer”, Bobbie. Who took us through his own rendition of Everybody Loves the Sunshine before Bob returned to the stage and jumped into the outstretched arms of the crowd.
A Glasgow crowd seems to have a natural affinity with the boys. This was only heightened as Bobbie shared that Bristol, Cardiff, and Glasgow are their favourite cities. The mosh pits didn't stop all night but as Northern Line began a spark was reignited. Bodies crashed into one another as hands were flung in the air in excitement. Wicked and Bad was up next and only added to building lively spirits.
Time flew by and as the end drew near Bob piped up “Apparently there’s a curfew we have to adhere to”. Jokingly he called “F-ck the system" before swiftly adding “I’m not sure it’s the same thing, this is just a really nice venue that has rules that need to be followed”. The Delicate Nature, a song the Bob’s wrote with Laurie from Soft Play about “those estate kids that didn’t quite make it” made for a great addition to the setlist.
Bob Vylan are a duo of almighty power. They have already made a lasting mark on the music scene and if tonight's performance is anything to go by, they're far from done.
