There’s nothing more special than a home gig, they always have the liveliest crowds and there’s a clear excitement and anticipation within the band on stage. Swim School, the Edinburgh born band recently headlined the Queen Margaret Union in Glasgow amid their tour celebrating their debut album and it’s safe to say it was a memorable night that exceeded the already high expectations.
Swim School were formed in Edinburgh in 2018, they released their first EP in 2021. The band have made a strong impression with their loud, powerful instrumentals paired with Alice Johnston’s versatile vocals. The band has supported artists like Inhaler, The Amazons and Grandson. Working these crowds and gaining fans all over, the band have grown a successful fanbase who clearly love their music. Embarking on their headline tour at the beginning of November, starting in Newcastle and travelling across the UK and Europe to play their debut self-titled album to the eagerly awaiting crowds.
One of the great parts about a gig is always the support act, whether you are seeing a band you know or discovering new music that you’ll go home and listen to again later, it’s always exciting to see who the band has selected. In this case, I’d already known Basht and couldn’t wait to finally see them live. Coming on the stage at 7.30pm and performing a 30 minute set filled with loud instrumentals, the coolest guitar riffs and vocals that brought depth to each and every song. The band looked incredibly cohesive on stage, their vibe being incredible as they matched Swim School’s genre and successfully set up the stage for a great night.
At 8.30pm Swim School took to the stage, opening with ‘always on my mind’ and immediately the crowd swelled with excitement, the band commanding the stage straight away. The confident instrumentals that pull you into the music, they know exactly what they want to sound like and the effect their music should have, and that knowledge powers their incredible stage presence.
Swim School’s debut album takes them to new places, it showcases their talent and potential like never before. With instrumentals that are new and experimental, keeping you hooked in every song. From the powerful drums that lay the base of the song, as the bassline builds into the energy and the guitar riffs tie it all off. To Alice’s vocal range being highlighted, especially in ‘Am I Good Enough Now’ which was full of emotion, and her incredible note at the end cemented her sheer talent as a vocalist.
The love in the room was obvious, the love for the band, the music and Swim School’s love for the fans. With the final few songs of the set being filled with constant mosh pits in the crowd, with Alice even leaving the stage to join in for one. I imagine that it must be one of the most rewarding feelings as an artist, watching an audience love and appreciate the music you put your everything into. That’s what is so special about live music; the shared connection in the room, watching everyone jump about, keeping each other safe by helping someone up if they fall but mostly just watching the pure enjoyment as a room of strangers experience their favourite music together. Swim School’s gig captured the best parts about live music and why it’s an essential experience for people.
This being the only Scottish date on the tour made it ten times as special, to the band and to the crowd, there is nothing better than a home gig and that is always evident in the passion the band and audience display. Swim School’s music is only getting better, they’re making a clear name for themselves in the music scene and there’s truly no stopping them as they bring something new and exciting to the table, and I can’t wait to see where that leads them.