This year was the 10th anniversary of Tenement Trail, so they knew that it had to be big. 50 acts took to stages all over the East End to give the people of Glasgow 12 hours’ worth of class music. I didn’t manage to see everyone, as that would be physically impossible, but for the ones I did see, I loved each one of them. Alumni of this amazing day festival include Lewis Capaldi and Sam Fender, so keep your eyes peeled in the next few years to see if your new favourite up and coming band follows in their footsteps.
Scotstoun Dance Band – Van Winkle
The day started off extremely strong with an amazing set from Scotstoun Dance Band. It’s important to note that I’d never been to Tenement Trail before, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but after seeing this 3-piece I knew I was in for a class day. Even though the venue was on the smaller side, the crowd was absolutely buzzing, and you could tell people were genuinely enjoying the music. Hearing the accordion in their music transported me back to doing social dancing at school, but with a pleasantly welcomed twist. We were even treated to hearing their new song ‘Shinty and Violent’ which came out just the day prior. I really enjoyed their take on what I can only describe as Scottish indie-folk and I’m excited to see what’s next from them.
Honey – Winged Ox
I then went over to the Winged Ox to catch a little bit of Honey, a somewhat underground punk band. This 5-piece currently doesn’t have anything released on any platforms, but that’s about to change. Their new song ‘Brain Rot’ was released October 31st, and perfect song for the spooky season. Their set had a little bit of everything as they were still trying to figure out their sound, but as their performance progressed you could hear their vision. Since it was quite early in the day their set didn’t start with a lot of people in the room, but it definitely didn’t end like that. The crowd basically tripled throughout that half an hour slot, and I think we all realised that these guys could go far. I wouldn’t be surprised if they returned next year on a bigger stage.
Vigilanti – St Luke’s
Vigilanti was the first band of the day that I was already a fan of, so I knew it was going to be good. Their take on punk-rock is exciting to watch as the singer, James, is one of the most captivating frontmen I’ve seen in a while. The amount of movement on stage made the set fun to watch as well as listen to as James held the mic out for fans to sing along at certain points. There seemed to be a running theme for the night as Vigilanti also announced their new single ‘Daddy’s Money’, which came out November 1st. Watching the band get involved in the mosh pit with the fans was lovely as it turned them from these figures on stage into real, humble people who appreciate the fans that got them to this stage. If you’re wanting to get into the local punk scene, Vigilanti is an amazing choice to start with.
Former Champ – BAAD
These long-time friends blessed the stage and gave an enjoyable and interesting performance to the patrons of BAAD. We got to listen to their musical career as each song was better than the last. This 5-piece put their all into this set and it showed. I wasn’t able to stay for the full thing but for what I did see I really enjoyed. I managed to hear their new song ‘Sorry’ which had just come out a few days before, and it was added to a playlist before I even left the venue.
Esmerelda Road – St Luke’s
I had absolutely no idea what to expect from Esmerelda Road but oh my god. It was like I was listening to music for the first time, and it was breathtaking. It was a beautiful mixing pot of jazz, indie, funk, and a little sprinkle of ska in there too. There were hints and rumours about a new project coming out soon and I for one, am buzzing. It’s difficult to put into words how insanely good this Irish 7-piece is because I was just so mesmerized the whole set. For me, these guys are what Tenement Trail is all about, finding new bands you would never even think to look for. This really was a highlight of the day and I can’t recommend them enough.
Slix – Barrowlands
Before Tenement, SLIX wasn’t a band that I would’ve went to go see, however, that’s now changed. The positive energy was contagious as you were just watching a group of lads have so much fun on stage with each other. I’m always on the lookout for new indie-rock bands and I think I found one that hits all the marks. You could tell these guys have a strong fanbase as the room was basically packed for them and the crowd singing their hearts out. They even performed their re-released song ‘Chonga’, and I’ve never seen a crowd happier than this one. It was made even more special when they announced their biggest show to date, a headline spot at Garage next April 11th. Safe to say my tickets have already been bought.
Humour – Barrowlands 2
This year was really special for Tenement Trail and Barrowlands as it’s the first time that BBC Introducing has put on a stage. Humour headlined the BBC Introducing stage and it was a fab choice. I couldn’t see previous acts, so this was my only impression, but it’s such a strong choice to go with to round out this noteworthy stage. Their punk essence really resonates from their music, and I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting to get into the local Glasgow scene. Their songs had a sense of extremity to them, they were saying what they wanted to say, and you were listening no matter what. The room was absolutely packed for this headline, and I wouldn’t expect anything less for these guys. I’m really excited to see what musical concoctions they come up with next.
Declan Welsh & The Decadent West – Barrowlands
When DWDW was announced as the Barrowlands headliner for this year’s Tenement Trail, I knew I had to go no matter what. Compared to previous, this year had a stronger indie feel, so this 4-piece indie-rock band was a perfect choice. Before they all even reached the stage, the crowd erupted and was raring to go. Mosh pits opened before the chorus of the first song. The music itself was a nice mix of songs with some having important strong messages about standing against fascism and the importance of accepting refugees, and others just being good tunes that u can tap your foot to. The crowd was energetic from beginning to end and you could feel the love in the room. The main takeaway I got from their music was to love everyone peacefully, and I think that’s a sentiment we could all use.
Vlure – BAAD
The last act of the day was one that I was really looking forward to, and that’s none other than Vlure. As soon as the green strobe lights started, the crowd went mental. I’d seen them before, so I knew this set was going to be absolutely amazing, but this time was a whole new experience. They brought out P Sweatpants at the beginning of their set and it gave them an edge I didn’t expect. The strong jungle beats bounced between the columns at BAAD, and you could feel the music inside you. As it was the last act of the day and was quite different to other acts on the line-up, there were some people there that just stumbled over after DWDW and didn’t know what was about to happen. Their music takes you on a journey of love and acceptance, and when paired with fun lights, it’s a great time. Their last song ‘This is not the end’ was a perfect choice. Even though the event was ending, the messages we had heard throughout the day in people’s music will stay with us.
Early Bird tickets for next year’s Tenement Trail are available here: https://www.gigsinscotland.com/festival/tenement-trail