Safe Harbour took over and opened the night at Nice N Sleazy’s as part of touring alongside Defences.
The alternative rockers kicked off their set with an atmospheric intro, setting a moody and immersive tone. Lead singer Orion Powell greeted the crowd with enthusiasm, saying, “Good evening, Glasgow! How are we? We are Safe Harbour!” The band seamlessly transitioned from their haunting intro into their opening track, Vampire.
Taken from their latest EP, Vampire was a perfect choice to start the night, immediately showcasing their unique alternative sound. Their style echoes influences from bands like Twin Atlantic, Alexisonfire, and Funeral for a Friend, blending strong melodic vocals with Powell’s powerful screams.
📸CC: Lucie Cameron
Next up was The World Is Waiting for You, another track from their latest EP. The intricate guitar riffs stood out, reminiscent of Coheed and Cambria, with Safe Harbour effortlessly fusing progressive rock elements with soaring emo vocals and metal-infused breakdowns. The song’s harmonies were particularly strong, thanks to guitarist and vocalist Jasper Lyons, who added depth to the performance. The breakdown at the end was electrifying, leaving a lasting impact.
Despite some technical difficulties, Powell kept the energy high with great crowd banter, even jokingly inviting fans to buy the band a shot. True to Glasgow’s spirit, a fan soon appeared at the front with a tray of tequila, much to the band’s delight. Powell also marked the occasion by acknowledging that this was not only the final night of their tour but also guitarist Connor MacLeod’s hometown show, which was met with raucous cheers.
The band then debuted a brand-new song live, once again highlighting their creativity and ability to craft powerful breakdowns.
One of the standout moments of the night was their emotional performance of Sedated, a track that demonstrated their ability to blend hard-hitting instrumentals with deeply personal lyrics. Their songwriting shines through not only in the music but also in the raw emotion they bring to the stage.
Another EP highlight, Teach Me to Breathe, delivered strong, driving guitar work and yet another crushing breakdown—something that truly defines Safe Harbour’s sound.
The only downside of the night was the limited stage space at Nice N Sleazy. The band’s energy was undeniable, and despite the cramped conditions, they made the most of it. Bassist Tom Turner moved as much as possible within the constraints, while drummer Alex Cullens gave it everything behind the kit. Powell took things a step further, stepping into the crowd and engaging fans directly. While they made the best of the intimate venue, it’s clear Safe Harbour is destined for bigger stages, and those days are surely on the horizon.
📸CC: Lucie Cameron
Closing their set with Nine Circles, Powell led the crowd in a singalong, getting everyone involved and ending the night on a high. The energy was electric, leaving the audience wanting more. With new fans eager to check them out and an undeniable buzz in the room, Safe Harbour proved they are a band on the rise, ready for even greater things to come.
