Edinburgh-based band Fright Years, have been making waves and building quite the fanbase whilst gaining momentum over the past few years. This was one of two Scottish headline shows with the first being in Aberdeen. With doors at 8PM, a sizeable crowd ranging across all ages was already present before our first act.
We have been spoilt with international bands in the past few weeks in Drummonds. From Paris’ Fences\\\\ to Canada’s Kasador who were opening up this evening. Formed in 2012 but adopting the Kasador name in 2015, this is the first time they’ve been to Scotland. Frontman Cam Wyatt described it as a lifelong dream come true getting to travel here and spoke about the joy of managing to book a whole UK tour for their time overseas.
Kasador delivered a tight and enjoyable set of a high calibre, filled with tracks mostly from their 2025 album ‘Momma Might’ve Raised A Fool.’ Up tempo songs emulated Bloc Party without the electronics, merged with pleasing North American rock of the 2000s with Wyatt energetically kicking his way through the set. Butterflies immediately floored me with its simple yet effective use of harmonies adding impact throughout. DC & The PC Punks was a fun and upbeat number coming not long before their most popular track R.I.P. Me Down ending the set with a bang. Hopefully it won’t be too long before they’re back on our shores again because what they produce is too good to be missed!
After a short break it was then time for our headliners for the night. With a low ticket warning on the week of the show, the venue was certainly looking packed by the time the lights dimmed and Stevie Nicks’ Edge of Seventeen played out in the venue signalling Fright Years arrival on stage.
Opening with Evil, I was instantly taken in by Jules Kelly’s natural star power, from her style and confidence to her soaring vocals. She commanded each song with pipes on a level with fellow indie powerhouses Florence Welch and Ellie Rowsell. A few songs in, we were treated to upcoming single, Never Been Wrong, which was infectiously catchy. Fright Years’ set encompassed songs that were both emotional and dramatic whilst also having time to have some fun with a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Gypsy. Another highlight was Stars with its ever present driving guitar riff which was followed by final song of the evening, latest single Wait For Nothing.
Although Jules’ vocals were the main event, she was well supported by her bandmates: Harrison MacLeod-Bonnar on electric guitar, hometown hero Fraser Charles on bass and Struan Blacklock on drums with neither a note or rhythm out of place. A strong powerful set from start to finish and with a hint of a return to the city in November, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled.
Enjoy sets from the evening in the playlist below.