Been Stellar returned to Glasgow after playing King Tuts in only November last year. The New York based band have been busy touring in between, including supporting Fontaines D.C. at a number of their shows on both sides of the pond. At the beginning of July the five-piece had a weekend I suspect they will never forget; one of the supports for Fontaines D.C. at Finsbury Park (cap. 45,000), followed by a gig of their own at The Elephants Head in Camden the next night (cap. 60). Both sets were phenomenal. Tonight they return to Glasgow to play The Art School, with Humour in support. The queue outside the venue before the doors opened demonstrated the support this band has in the city.
Local band Humour released their debut album Learning Greek on 8 August (So Young Records) and have just finished a run of instores across the UK. The band were borne out of lockdown and Learning Greek follows two EPs, they are simply getting better and better, particularly live. The set opened with the album trio of ‘Neighbours’, ‘Aphid, and ‘Memorial’ but also included older tracks such as ‘Wrangel’ and ‘yeah, mud’. Been Stellar were watching from the side, it’s always a joy to see bands supporting each other. Humour and Been Stellar know each other well thanks to So Young Records. The set finished with ‘Plagiarist’, a highlight from the album including an earworm of a lyric: “I can’t pretend to regret it.” Humour will start their own headline tour 20 November at Oporto, Leeds finishing with a hometown gig at King Tut’s in Glasgow.
Photo Credit: Elliot Hetherton
As attendees headed for refreshments and comfort breaks, the fire alarm went off which led everyone to stop in their tracks. The hope was that it was a false alarm and there was a moment’s pause before quickly and calmly the building was cleared. An investigation soon resulted in the all clear – leading to the crowd piling back in sharpish. Thankfully it did not curtail Been Stellar’s set. They opened with the title track of their own debut album Scream From New York, NY released in June 2024 via Dirty Hit. The set was packed with tracks from the album including‘Passing Judgement’, ‘Shimmer’, ‘Always on my mind’ and the breathtaking ‘Sweet’ which soars with a guitar hook which packs an emotional punch. ‘Manhatten Youth’ is thankfully and deservedly still part of Been Stellar’s set, released three years ago (how is that even possible!).
The set was smooth, effortless moving from one song to the next with no awkward pauses for guitar tuning. Lead singer Sam Slocum commented that Glasgow is one of their favourite cities to play. They had diehard fans in the crowd who he dedicated a song to. With their first new music since the album, the single ‘Breakaway’ also played tonight, released in June, there is a sense this is a band looking forward. Live they are a tight unit, and new drummer Gigi Giobbi who joined earlier this year has slotted in perfectly. Glasgow will hope for a swift return.
Photo credit: Elliot Hetherton
For more information on Humour please check their facebook and instagram.
For more information on Been Stellar check their facebook and instagram.
Photo Credit: Julia Mason
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