Gigraphy Review - The Snuts, OVO Hydro Glasgow, 06/12/24

By Kyan Gilfillan

The Snuts are undoubtedly one of the most exciting acts on the indie music scene, hailing from the small village of Whitburn in West Lothian, Scotland. The band, consisting of frontman Jack Cochrane, guitarist Joe McGillveray, bassist Callum "29" Wilson, and drummer Jordan "Joko" Mackay, was established when they were in their teenage years. Since then, they’ve acquired a reputation for combining raw, guitar-driven ferocity with approachable, heartfelt lyrics that make a big impact on fans.

Siobhan Winifred

Siobhan Winifred was the first to perform, and the audience was quickly drawn in by her captivating singing and sensitive tale. Her ability to mix emotion and power in her performance enthralled the crowd, providing songs with lyrical depth and haunting melodies. Siobhan's sincere presence on stage produced an intimate ambiance, which provided a lovely contrast to the high-energy performances that followed.

The Academic

The Academic then turned up the energy with their polished indie rock sound. The Irish quintet, known for their catchy hooks and anthemic choruses, quickly captivated the Hydro audience with songs like "Bear Claws" and "Why Can’t We be Friends." Their tight instrumentation and powerful stage presence had the audience clapping and singing along, totally involved with the performance and easing them into the electrifying vibe that The Snuts would later heat up.

From the moment they burst onto the stage for their first ever arena show at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, the crowd instantly knew this would be a night to remember, with confetti cannons showering the crowd during "Millionaires”  and creating a euphoric, festival-like atmosphere. However the pyrotechnics weren’t the only showstoppers—the LED screens behind the band displayed a vibrant mix of visuals, from abstract kaleidoscopic patterns to nostalgic nods to their Scottish roots. These visuals were carefully tailored to each song, with darker, brooding designs for "Burn the Empire" transitioning to bright, uplifting imagery for tracks like "Always" and "Somebody Loves You."

The Snuts

Like many bands, The Snuts' rise to become one of the most electrifying stars in indie music was not without its challenges. After performing their smash hit "Elephants," frontman Jack Cochrane opened up about the difficult period before the release of the band's debut album, "W.L." Faced with the harsh realities of uncertainty and setbacks, the band was on the verge of breaking up. Nothing seemed to be falling into place, and it appeared like their dreams were slipping away. However everything changed with the publication of "Top Deck." That music, overflowing with raw emotion and fire, sparked their momentum and catapulted them into the spotlight.

Fast forward to the release of their latest album, and history appeared to repeat itself. The band found themselves in a tough battle for the top slot on the charts, this time against none other than the legendary Sir Rod Stewart. The competition was intense, but The Snuts' enduring enthusiasm and connection with their fans showed through, demonstrating that their rise from near-death to chart-topping glory was no accident.

Their story is a strong lesson of endurance, the value of keeping true to one's roots, and the magic that occurs when a band pours their heart and soul into their music and everything they do.

The encore was a showstopper in every sense. The explosive opening of "Circles" was met with a dramatic fireworks display, while "Glasgow" turned the Hydro into a roaring celebration of the band’s hometown pride. The closing track, "Gloria," featured a final flurry of confetti and pyro, leaving the audience in awe and ensuring the night ended on an exhilarating high. Whether it’s through their tight-knit sound that echoes the perfection of their studio recordings or their ability to spark wild singalongs and emotional highs, they’ve proven they’re not just rising stars—they’re a force to be reckoned with in the indie music scene, and arenas are certainly their home for the rest of time, if not stadiums!

In conclusion, The Snuts' performance at the OVO Hydro cemented their reputation as one of the best and most exciting rising indie bands in the business today. Their ability to blend electric stage presence with immaculate musicianship is a rare talent; every note and word sounded as sharp and powerful as it does on their albums. This is a band that not only meets but exceeds expectations, transforming its live performances into remarkable displays of intensity and emotion.What truly sets The Snuts apart is their connection with their fans. The crowd at the Hydro wasn’t just watching a concert—they were part of it, a frenzied sea of voices, hands, and hearts that matched the band’s intensity every step of the way.

From the roaring anthems to the quieter, emotional moments, the audience’s energy was unmatched, creating a palpable electricity that made the massive venue feel intimate. As the final confetti dropped and the echoes of the last encore faded, it was clear: The Snuts are not only the future of indie music, but also its current heartbeat. For those who were lucky enough to see it, this concert was not only a highlight of 2024, but also a monument to the band's unquestionable talent. Their journey is only beginning, and it's safe to say the world will hear a lot more from this incredible group.