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On a rainy day in Glasgow, the citys musical heart pulsed with life as Tenement Trail marked its 10th anniversary. The festival has grown over the last decade from roots in small venues across Ayrshire, and Glasgow, in tandem with the regeneration of the Barrowlands area, transforming it into a hub of creativity with venues like St. Lukes and Barras Art & Design (BAAD), alongside vibrant new bars like Van Winkle and The Gate. This blend of old and new perfectly reflects the energy of the festival. Making the East End a great home for it now.
As I made my way through the famous McIver Market, past stalls of T-shirts and vintage finds, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. The festival has evolved over the last decade, and this year was no exception, with an eclectic mix of emerging and established acts spread across multiple venues in the Gallowgate.
Kicking things off at BAAD were Neverfine. The lead singer sprinted to the stage with the kind of enthusiasm that instantly grabbed the crowd. Their set carried shades of early 2000s Kerrang! TV-an unapologetic throwback to gritty, hook-laden rock. With a new single set for release on October 25th, theyre a band to keep an eye on.
In between sets, I tried the festivals signature drink, a Monkey Shoulder Ginger Monkey cocktail-refreshing and a nice start to the day. It was a much-needed breather before heading to catch Glasgowmusic favourite YesandMaybe (formerly Yesnomaybe). For only their second show (Check our live review from their first gig here) , theyve already polished their live act to perfection. Playing in Barrowlands 2, they gave a performance that felt destined for bigger stages - especially the iconic ballroom upstairs. Tracks like Blue Avenue showcased their knack for infectious hooks, and the sound system gave their punchy, pop-rock sound the justice it deserved. With their album Train to Nowhere on the horizon, expect this band to climb the ranks fast.
Back outside, both Van Winkle and St. Lukes were packed to capacity, with Aim For Two and Abbie Gordon playing to full houses. Unable to squeeze into those venues, I returned to BAAD, pausing to capture a stunning rainbow over the East End, a fitting symbol of the optimism surrounding the festival. As the crowds shuffled between venues, there was a real sense of community-bands, fans, and industry types all mingling in the rain-soaked streets.
Next up, Dallas Love Field delivered a dreamy, atmospheric set reminiscent of Explosions in the Sky and Mogwai. Their slow-build instrumentals fit perfectly with the late afternoon vibe, setting a more introspective mood before the festival cranked up the energy once again.
By the time Former Champ took the stage, the audience was ready for more high-octane action. Their tight, no-frills set was met with attentive faces, each track a masterclass in concise, punchy songwriting. Over at the Winged Ox, Fright Years drew in a massive crowd, giving us the perfect soundtrack as we tucked into some much-needed festival food.
The evening reached its peak as Declan Welsh & The Decadent West took to the main Barrowlands stage. Returning as a hometown hero, Welsh delivered a high-energy performance, clearly fueled by the excitement of playing one of Glasgows most iconic venues. His new single, in support of the people of Gaza, was a powerful moment in the set, resonating deeply with the crowd.
But the highlight of the night, without question, was Vlure at BAAD. Walking into their show felt like stepping into an Underworld concert. The bass drum reverberated through the room as strobes cut through the fog, creating an electric atmosphere. The band commanded the crowd, leading circle pits and crowd-surfing while getting involved themselves. It was an unforgettable performance, one that cemented their status as one of the most exciting live acts around. Their December show at SWG3 is now unmissable.
As the night wound down, it was clear that Tenement Trail has become more than just a festival-its a cornerstone of Glasgows thriving music scene. Artists and fans alike celebrated its tenth anniversary, and from the energy of the day, its obvious this festival is vital to the citys cultural landscape. Heres to another decade of Tenement Trail!
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