An electric-eclectic pick and mix of energetic performance perfection
This mega-eclectic pick and mix of a line-up had the crowd immediately entertained and engaged, with an energetic offering from four very different bands.
Multiple genres were spotted (from inde-rock, ballady love singer-song writing, to 1960s-garage-rock, to electro-dance-pop) but all combined sweetly to leave a satisfying high quality performance after-taste.
The Overalls. Photo credit: @l_asnapshots
First up were Edinburgh-based band of 3 (Olly, Ella, and Tom), “The Overalls,” whose democratic writing and performance approach showcased their lyrical humour and musical flex. “Luna” was a stand-out: initially a love song ballady-feel, with Ella on vocals (“Oh, Luna, I think I love you, would you say the same?”), accompanied by Olly on acoustic guitar. Suddenly, a morph into a rock piece surprised us all, as Ella dashed behind drums and Tom (electric guitar) jumped in with the duo.
Having been influenced in its infancy by multiple artists (Bon Jovi, Belle and Sebastian), and balancing real life events (a fiancé, stealing bath water?), this dynamic all-sorts set paved the way for the night’s “anything could happen next” feel. Check them out on Instagram (@wearetheoveralls) and as headliners at Sneaky Pete’s on 14 October.
The Floor Dwellers. Photo credit: @l_asnapshots
Retro-Cool, Punk-School. That, in a nutshell, is what appeared on stage next, in the insanely talented 4-piece form, “the Floor Dwellers.” Visually captivating, it was an oxymoronic meeting of brown polka-dot pointy-collared 60’s shirt suits style with 90’s blue jeans and wide stripes.
Alfie Fagan, The Floor Dwellers Photo credit: @l_asnapshots
Photo credit: @l_asnapshots
Photo credit: @l_asnapshots
Immediately I wanted to know “why the vintage hints?” The answer became musically very clear, as they absolutely smashed out their precise, fast-tempo yet synchronised garage-rock set, with incredibly strong drumming and vocals, driving repetitive guitar riffs, and a sense of rebellion (“are you ready for a fight?”) that made us want to hear more and more and more.
A performance joy, fuelled by Irn Bru, they were absolutely loving their art, yet still driving the show with an air of confidence that defies their teenage age and stage. Chatting with the band afterwards, I discovered that they started their garage-rock journey, aged 12, listening to The Velvet Underground, jamming (and learning-by-writing) in Melrose in Alfie’s actual garage. They stayed true to genre on stage and we could hear strong The Brian Jonestown Massacre vibes. Since expanding to a team of 4, this talented bunch are keen to further grow, market and define themselves as they take on even more of the Glasgow and Edinburgh scene (they sold out their recent event in 5 minutes with The Cabbage), with their eyes on future festival slots, and an autumn (November) EP release. Exciting, fun, energetic and, definitely, ones to watch (follow @thefloordwellers).
Locker Room Photo credit: @l_asnapshots
We had been instructed to “bring your disco boots” by “Locker Room” for their second Tut’s appearance since May, and we were not disappointed. Incredibly sparkly, stage-aura immediately ramped to max, this set was all-set to entertain. The mega-fan-base made themselves clearly visible in the packed room as the floor started to jump and holler and chant. This vocal and guitar duo (usually a 3 piece but the drummer’s absence became a successfully deployed backing track), delighted the crowd with a sultry yet smiling, infectious dance presence. Absolutely all original tracks, electronically-textured and vocally strong, the stand outs were “Lullaby’ (hints of Boxer Rebellion at play), and “One More Time”. The takeaway feel was one of simultaneously being delighted in and being delighted to perform.
Locker Room. Photo credit: @l_asnapshots
And now for the headliners, Val Mavis, a Glasgow-based 4 piece (Aaron, Adam, Leo and David) whose debut single “Uh-Huh” released in 2025 and who have been making themselves known, performing live, since.
Val Mavis. Photo credit: @l_asnapshots
Not their first time to play at King Tut’s, they were at ease on stage, yet their joy of headlining was still crystal clear to the audience. Smooth, steady and moving us together (with stand out-excellent drumming), they had everyone fully on board, as they showcased their work, including the first they’d co-written “Give me some time” and also “Goodnight, Goodnight.” “I know she loves me truly” conveyed true vulnerability; jilted-yet-still-compassionate.
Photo credit: @l_asnapshots
Their deep-toned lyrical hooks and guitar solos immersed us in a world of love, heartbreak and soulful introspection, themes that matched their likeable self-effacing demeanour on stage. Finishing with their most streamed and crowd-pleasing track “Walk and Talk”, they overall delivered a sound which reminded me of a mix of The Kooks (“She Moves in Her Own Way”), Keo (“Thorn”) and Wunderhorse (“Rain”). An all-immersive, crowd-swaying inde-rock pleasure.
Overall (no pun intended), a superb and energising evening of four fantastic flavours.