This Glasgow-based band popped up on a recommended artist list a week or so before realising that they would be headed way down south to grace the stage at The Lanes, Bristol. As I had the band on repeat for the week or so prior, I thought it only right to check them out live and my god, I’m glad I did.
Forming actually not too long ago in 2019 by vocalist/guitarist Keira Mcguire, vocalist/guitarist Emily Downie, bassist Jude Curran and drummer Alex White. The band very quickly gained a name for themselves with their unique mix of pop, rock and punk, which caught the eyes and ears of such artists that they went on to support such as Nothing but Thieves, Soft Cult and The Jesus and the Mary Chain. It’s also worth noting that this band made these enormous waves amid a global pandemic.
Tonight’s show came with the added bonus in the form of the support artist and also another band that fell into one of my recommended artist lists, the super catchy 4 piece Hunny Buzz. They were honestly the perfect support for tonight’s headliners and 100% warmed the eager crowd up to no end.
Anyway, let’s get to tonight’s headliners and the incredible show that Spyres treated me and the rammed venue, too.
Starting the set with a golden oldie for the band, the sing-along anthemic ‘Fake ID’ which led straight into what I think would have been a 90’s number 1 ‘Lost Without You’.
It quickly became apparent that the dual vocals and harmonies of both Keira and Emily were not just studio magic but absolutely beautiful and flawless to hear live in person, two voices that are so different but work as well as bread and butter, truly.
Having 2 EPs and several singles, we got to hear pretty much the whole back catalogue from the band, which, of course, was perfection, as we got to hear all our personal favourite tracks from the band, not a disappointed face in the crowd was seen.
Continuing on with the set, we got to hear the songs, Money, I Don’t Care, Honestly, Sleep Forever and the recently released Fun.
As the hour-long set began to come to a close, the band played two of my personal favourite songs, and judging by the audience’s reaction, it was theirs too. Both these tracks came with crowd surfers too, and I won’t lie, that is the first time I have seen that happen in this venue, It was very cool. The tracks I am talking about are two of the most addictive songs I have heard in such a long time. If you are familiar with the band, then you will be very familiar with The Thing and Otherside. If you are reading this and have never heard those songs, then stop reading now and go listen asap!
My conclusion to Spyres and tonight’s show is that you should go show these guys and gals some love, because if this is the future of UK rock, then I am a very happy man.
I am a self taught Photographer and an aspiring reviewer.
I have been in and out of bands for the past 15 years and some, so thought it only makes sense to stay in the scene that has been the most important aspect of my life since I can remember, live music.
Available for:
I am available for small gigs, larger concerts, recording sessions and festivals.
First attended gig:
The first proper gig that went to that I can actually remember was Muse supported by a then lesser known Elbow and I think the main reason I remember that is because it was the first big concert that I was allowed to go to with just my friends. Obviously Muse were fantastic by the way.
First gig shot:
Im pretty sure the first gig I shot was for a friends band at a local social club with some sort of £30 Argos camera. You can only imagine the fantastic quality of the shots.
Dream gig:
My dream gig to shoot would most definitely be either Tool, not just because they are amazing but their stage and lighting is magnificent. Or I would love to shoot another one of my favourite bands which is Explosions In The Sky and that’s just because they are incredible.
