Gigraphy Review - Only The Poets, G2, Glasgow, 22/08/24

By Kgshoots

Nestled in the heart of Glasgow’s bustling music scene, G2 was the epicentre of an unforgettable night as Only The Poets, one of the UK’s most promising indie-pop bands, delivered a performance that electrified the intimate venue. With the buzz of anticipation filling the air, the atmosphere was charged from the moment the doors opened. Glasgow, a city with a deep-rooted love for live music, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening where raw emotion and high-energy anthems collided.

Kerr Mercer

The night opened with Kerr Mercer, a rising Glasgow singer-songwriter known for his poignant lyrics and expressive melodies. As Mercer took the stage, there was a distinct air of expectancy, and he did not disappoint. His act began with the eerie "Midnight Rain," which pulled the audience in with its minimalist guitar lines and pensive lyrics.

One of the most memorable aspects of Mercer's performance was an unexpected and enthralling cover of Sabrina Carpenter's "Please Please Please." As soon as the first notes rang out, the audience's energy changed, and the room began to hum with enthusiasm. Mercer's interpretation was not only daring, but also excellent, revitalising the song while retaining its original appeal. The audience was completely enthralled, singing along with fervour and dancing to the rhythm. By the time the final chords faded, the mood was electrifying, perfectly preparing the room for the much-anticipated main event.

Only The Poets

As the lights dropped and the anticipation grew, Only The Poets approached the stage, kicking off their act with the explosive "Crash." The band immediately controlled the audience, with leader Tommy Longhurst's compelling stage presence and powerful vocals laying the groundwork for what was to come. The band's strong musicianship was on full show, as they performed each song with accuracy and enthusiasm.

The setlist was a carefully curated journey through the band’s discography, blending older fan favourites with fresh new material. Early in the set, tracks like "Every Song I Ever Wrote" and "I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend" had the crowd singing along in unison, their voices echoing through the venue and creating a communal atmosphere that felt both intimate and expansive.

The intensity was unwavering as the band transitioned into "Forget Your Name," a song that had the audience jumping and dancing, and the floor of G2 vibrated with the collective enthusiasm. The segue into "Mindset" demonstrated the band's ability to switch gears fluidly, ranging from high-energy anthems to more introspective periods without losing steam.

One of the most emotionally charged moments of the evening occurred during "Gone by Now," when the sheer vulnerability of Longhurst's singing elicited a profound silence from the audience, with everyone hanging on every word and waving their arms in sync. This was soon followed by the songs "All This Time" and "It's Okay (Not to Be Okay)," which explore themes of struggle and tenacity, providing a cathartic catharsis for both the band and the audience.

The middle of the set was punctuated by "Waking in the Dark" and "Nana's House," two tracks that brought the energy back to a fever pitch. The intimacy of the venue allowed for a close connection between the band and their fans, with Longhurst frequently pausing to express his gratitude and share personal stories, further deepening the bond between the performers and the audience.

As the set continued, the darker tones of "Black and Blue (Room)" and "Even Hell" provided a stark contrast to the lighter, more upbeat moments, showcasing the band’s range and depth. These songs explored more complex emotional landscapes, adding a layer of intensity to the performance that kept the audience engaged and invested.

The show reached a crescendo with "JUMP!," a track that had the entire room bouncing along to its infectious beat. The energy in the room was electric, with fans losing themselves in the music, fully immersed in the experience. But the night hadn't ended yet.

The band returned for an encore, much to the delight of the crowd. The encore began with "One More Night," a song that had the audience moving and chanting along with fresh zest. The song's catchy chorus and driving tempo made it an instant hit, with fans remaining energised throughout the night.

The final song of the night was "Emotional," which wonderfully captured the evening's highs and lows. The song's sad lyrics and powerful music ended the night on a high note, leaving the audience feeling euphoric and fulfilled. As the final chords rang out and the lights faded, the audience exploded in ovation, which echoed long after the band had left the stage.

In conclusion, Only The Poets’ performance at G2 in Glasgow was nothing short of spectacular. The combination of Kerr Mercer’s soulful opening set and the band’s electrifying main performance made for an unforgettable evening. The intimate atmosphere of G2 allowed for a unique connection between the artists and their audience, creating a shared experience that was both powerful and deeply personal.

For those who were there, this was a night that will be remembered for a long time. And for those who missed it, make sure to catch Only The Poets on the rest of their tour — it’s a live experience that truly shouldn’t be missed. As the band continues to rise, this performance will undoubtedly be looked back on as one of the defining moments of their journey.