SWG3 hosted one of the standout anniversary gigs this year as Mallory Knox celebrated their Asymmetry 10 year Anniversary UK Tour!
The night kicked off with the first support act, Gürl, who truly blew me away. Any band that opens with “How You Remind Me” by Nickelback instantly earns bonus points from me. These guys brought incredible energy and had a cool vibe (big shoutout to bassist Jay Parker’s tartan attire)!
This Bristol-based “anti-pop” band features Josh Dalton (vocals), Jonny Turner (guitar), Jay Parker (bass), and Tom John (drums). Dalton described their sound to the audience, saying, “Gürl is like Sleep Token meets Taylor Swift.”
They had me at Sleep Token! While I’m not a die-hard Swiftie, I genuinely enjoyed their performance. Their vocals were exceptional, and the harmonies were tight. I was particularly impressed by Dalton’s vocal screams at the end of “Gucci, Honey, Dirty Money,” which reminded me of Linkin Park’s iconic 17-second scream!
Dalton captured the crowd with his infectious energy and passion. Each band member commanded the stage, especially during “Evil Twin,” which showcased their unique personality. It was tough to choose a favourite moment amidst the animated dance moves, impressive guitar solos, screams, and harmonies. They brought the hype and made for an amazing opener for Mallory Knox.
Following them was the dark electronica group Call Me Amour, who kicked off their set with the fantastic track “Happy Hell,” though they had to cut it short due to a technical issue. Nevertheless, their energy remained high! Frontman Harry Radford checked in with the crowd to ensure we were all good before diving back into “Blackout.” Their electrifying tracks created an energy that was hard to resist.
Their performance was a whirlwind of high energy, with breakdowns that felt seismic that stripped their songs down to the essentials, building tension that left the audience hanging on every beat before launching back into full-throttle sound! Their catchy melodies and powerful vocals were easy to get into, even for newcomers. Since hearing them live, I’ve added them to my playlists!
What stood out to me about this band was their dedication to hyping up the Glaswegian crowd. Radford introduced their third song, “Chasing Bugs,” saying, “We judge a city by two things—volume and coordination.” The crowd responded enthusiastically, jumping and cheering in sync with the band. You could feel the room buzzing with excitement—a sure sign of a support act that knows how to warm up the audience for the main event!
They even welcomed Mikey Chapman from Mallory Knox who is featured on their track “Good Day,” which was a hit with the crowd.
I also appreciated how they frequently engaged with the audience. During their final song, Radford even stepped off the stage to mingle in the mosh pit and connect with different crowd sections!
My favourite track of the night was “Bloom,” introduced by Radford with the inspiring words:
Never fear a storm—learn to dance in the rain!
This song radiates raw intensity, combining gritty yet melodic vocals with powerful instrumentation. It features Scott Kennedy from Bleed From Within. I was really hoping for a surprise appearance from him, but perhaps next time when Call Me Amour returns to Glasgow for their own headline tour in February 2025!
Then came the moment we’d all been eagerly anticipating: English alternative rockers Mallory Knox. They were welcomed on stage with the iconic chant of “Here We F*king Go,” instantly shifting the atmosphere to a new level. Dave Rawling (drums) entered first, followed by Sam Douglas (bass), James Gillet (rhythm guitar), Joe Savins (lead guitar), and finally frontman Mikey Chapman.
Opening with “Ghost In The Mirror” was a brilliant choice, instantly grabbing the crowd’s attention and creating an energetic atmosphere. Chapman greeted the Glasgow audience, exclaiming, “It’s so f*king good to be back, Glasgow! How are you doing?!” The cheers resonated throughout the venue.
From the very start, it was clear how much the band cherished this crowd, overwhelmed by the fans’ enthusiasm for their long-awaited visit. During “Getaway,” the audience almost drowned out Chapman’s vocals, and I noticed him ask his bandmates, “Can you hear that?” when the crowd sang along to the breakdown.
Speaking of long-awaited visits, it was thrilling to hear “Dying To Survive” performed live for the first time since 2017 from the album Asymmetry, which we were celebrating! This track kicks in with powerful bass, and the fans were ready to party when Chapman asked if they were up for it!
We were treated to even more incredible tracks that hadn’t been performed live in over eight years, including “Heart and Desire” and “Lonely Hours.” It was a memorable evening, especially as Chapman highlighted that this was their first tour in eight years and expressed heartfelt thanks for the crowd’s support. He asked if anyone had seen them live years ago, teasing that they would recognize the next song, “Sugar,” an evocative track about love and desire that got the crowd dancing!
The energy in the room was electric, with fans even creating a mosh pit for “Oceans,” and the band reciprocated the love and enthusiasm as the audience couldn’t get enough of them. Chapman reflected, “It feels so weird to be back; I can’t tell you. We were worried about who would be here for us… From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support after all these years.” They then performed “When Are We Waking Up,” showcasing Chapman’s stunning vocals, filled with emotion and perfect harmonies.
The crowd was unstoppable, and it was clear that no one wanted the night to end. There was a palpable sense of emotion in the air, perhaps due to the relief of seeing the band again, the thrill of hearing their songs live, or the significance of celebrating the album anniversary. This was evident on each band member’s face as they soaked up the atmosphere. They shared,
“We started this band in Dave’s living room 13 years ago. It was our bread and butter, giving us purpose and something to strive for. I don’t know if you’ve found yours or lost it, but whatever it is, take the time to pursue it. Life’s too short. This next song is for you…”
..before launching into “Dare You,” a powerful anthem encouraging us to face our fears!
The emotional journey didn’t end there. For the encore, “Better Off Without You” was dedicated to anyone in the audience on a recovery journey, fostering a sense of unity throughout the SWG3 venue. They closed the night with “Lighthouse,” which felt like the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable evening.
I’m certain the crowd made it clear just how much Mallory Knox has been missed. After experiencing this gig, I truly hope they take their advice—life is too short—and return with new music in the future!