It’s not often you experience such an emotionally charged night of music, but that’s exactly what Florida’s Rain City Drive and California’s Dayseeker delivered at Glasgow’s SWG3. The venue, packed to the brim with eager fans, was treated to an evening that seamlessly blended soaring vocals, raw emotion, and electrifying performances.
The night kicked off with Heart of Gold, a band I unfortunately didn’t catch in full. They were the first support act, warming up the crowd before Rain City Drive hit the stage. While I couldn’t witness their performance firsthand, it was clear from the chatter around me that they made a strong impression on those who arrived early.
Next up, Rain City Drive came out with high energy, opening with “Frozen.” Frontman Matt McAndrew immediately established a warm rapport with the crowd, declaring, “We’re excited to be here.” His infectious enthusiasm set the tone for a set brimming with charisma. Tracks like “Prayers” and “Cutting It Close” were standout moments, with McAndrew’s incredible vocal range — his powerful falsetto and emotional delivery — captivating the audience. He also shared his excitement about being in Glasgow, reminiscing about past shows at venues like the Cathouse, which resonated with the crowd. The audience was clearly feeling the love, as evidenced by the sea of phones recording their hit “Blood Runs Cold.” When McAndrew brought out Dayseeker’s Rory Rodriguez to join them on “Medicate Me,” the harmonies were spine-tingling.
There was a deeply personal moment during their set when McAndrew introduced “Never Bloom,” revealing it was written in memory of his Father. The song, rich in heartache and vulnerability, resonated deeply with fans, and it was a reminder of how Rain City Drive’s lyrics connect on such a personal level. The set concluded with the equally poignant “Talk To A Friend,” leaving the crowd with a sense of connection and catharsis.
After a short break, it was time for the night’s headliners, Dayseeker. The band arrived in style, with a sleek backdrop and matching blazers, setting the stage for their “Dark Sun” tour. They opened with the atmospheric “Dreamstate,” immediately captivating the crowd with their powerful melodies. Lead singer Rory Rodriguez, a master of crowd interaction, wasted no time engaging with the audience, though the energy initially felt a bit subdued — perhaps due to the Monday night timing and the pre-Christmas lull.
Things shifted when Rodriguez shared a deeply emotional story about his own father, who had passed away. The next song, “Homesick,” hit hard with its raw emotion, and it quickly became one of the standout tracks of the evening. The mood grew more intimate when the band left the stage and a spotlight illuminated a piano, with Rodriguez returning to the keys for a haunting rendition of “Midnight Eternal.” This moment of calm and reflection was a beautiful contrast to the heavier moments that followed.
The crowd’s energy surged during “Without Me,” with fans singing along with unbridled enthusiasm during the softer parts. Dayseeker further fueled the fire with an electrifying drum solo from Zac Mayfield, which segued perfectly into the heavier “Gates of Ivory,” sparking one of the night’s few mosh pits.
📸 CC: Jack Larmour
A memorable surprise came when Rain City Drive’s Matt McAndrew rejoined the stage to collaborate with Rodriguez on “Paper Heart.” The acoustic vibes, with Rodriguez on keys and McAndrew harmonizing, added a beautiful layer of emotion to an already intense night.
Rodriguez was clearly emotional throughout the night, and he shared personal anecdotes about his family, including a touching dedication to his daughter before playing “Afterglow.” As if my emotions were not already out there, Dayseeker really wanted tears in my eyes with their exceptional rendition of Evanesence’s “My Immortal” which they described about how they were so inspired by Evanescence from a younger age. This song would not be easy to cover, but Rory with his acoustic guitar and his vocals brought tears in my eyes and goosebumps all over my body. You could hear the stillness in the venue with his powerful voice and this emotional captivating cover.
📸 CC: Jack Larmour
The night came to an end with the crowd-pleasing “Sleep Talk” and an encore of “Neon Grave.” Rodriguez took a moment to reflect on the band’s journey, thanking the crowd for helping them sell out the show and acknowledging how surreal it felt to go from playing to just a handful of people to standing before a packed house in Glasgow.
This was a concert that balanced vulnerability with sheer musical talent. Despite the slightly subdued start, the energy quickly built into something really special.
