Mouth Culture have become a breakout band in the UK modern rock scene. Having acquired shows with You Me At Six and playing Slam Dunk 2025, their popularity continues to rise. With it being a Tuesday night, I was hoping they would get the level of appreciation deserved by a visiting touring band with such an impressive C.V. I was not disappointed by what would be considered a highly respectable turn out for a weeknight in Aberdeen.
I made sure to get down swiftly after doors to support local openers, Audiokicks. They began their set with upbeat crowdpleasers, Hurricane and Hardest Game before launching into some of their darker material. Those arriving throughout their set were enticed in by their uplifting, emotive Scottish rock which spanned across their latest album and EP releases. The band were given full attention from those familiar with their work as well as first time listeners. Heads were bopping, toes were tapping and for their first gig of the year the band gave a solid performance with lead singer Iain Jamieson as always impressing with his passionate vocals. With newly recorded material in the release pipeline, Audiokicks continue to go from strength to strength.
Up next were touring support, Overgrown, hailing from Berwick-Upon-Tweed. The 4-piece were a 2000s nu-metal dream in 2020s form. Reverberating guitar lines, dual vocal harmonies, dark chordal progressions and the occasional angsty scream made it an impressive feat in a genre that has had a nostalgia resurgence in recent years. Standout tracks included latest single Give Up and set closer Breathe, however, their set was a marvel from start to finish with many appreciating the level of execution. Overall, a staggering performance that their nu-metal predecessors would be proud of.
Taking to the stage just before 9PM were Mouth Culture. Despite feeling under the weather from a hectic tour schedule, they made sure that Aberdeen still received the best possible show in terms of quality with songs spanning their full career so far.
Mouth Culture delivered a set full to the brim with inflections of Don Broco and Deaf Havana at their pop peak mixed with an early 2010s gritty You Me At Six sound. A wide range of tracks were played from mid-tempo grooves such as Picking Wings Off A Butterfly to fast tempo mosh-inducing tracks such as Cherry Red Rage. Everyday showed a softer side to their sound, whilst also maintaining power and depth in their melody writing. The hardcore fans down front participated in many a singalong moment, with the headline slot even resulting in some end of set stage-diving. The Aberdeen crowd reciprocated the band’s energy throughout showing Mouth Culture how we really do things regardless of what day of the week it is.
Enjoy all sets in full in the playlist below!