Slightly later than usual, Mr A, Boy Child and I boarded the train- the 545 to Glasgow- on Wednesday night. Our venue of choice for the evening was within spitting distance of the station so no need for an early start.

So, where were we off to? Stereo in Renfield Lane.

Who were we heading off to see? The mighty Welsh trio Florence Black. Back in March when we saw them support Kris Barras, they had promised to return to Glasgow for a headline show in October and here they were.

After some confusion among the handful of fans waiting outside as to where to queue and where to enter the basement venue, we were finally inside just after 7pm. Stereo isn’t a large venue (capacity circa 300 according to the website- feels smaller) so we didn’t quite manage to secure a front row spot. Damn!

First band on stage were Edinburgh’s She Burns Red. Those who read these blogs on a regular basis may recall I first saw these guys on their Glasgow debut a few weeks ago. Sound issues out with their control plagued that set so I had high hopes for the evening ahead. They did not disappoint. Thirty minutes was too short! She Burns Red opened their set with Gone but their highlight song for me was current single, Killing Time.  The bar had been set high for the evening. Great set, guys!

Do yourself a favour and check this band out. You can thank me later.

Next up for a half hour set were Welsh all-girl trio, Haxan. This was a new band to me, but they quickly won me over. These three young ladies deserve to go far. Despite an issue with a dodgy cable for Harriet’s bass, they delivered a solid six-song set of songs mainly from their debut album White Noise. As I listened to them, I was detecting influences of Iron Maiden in the mix. Never a bad thing. Highlights of their set for me were Killing Time (No, not She Burns Red’s song) and Grave Digger. They rounded things off with Bring The Thunder…and bring it they certainly did!

Another band to check out.

At this point I have to thank a rather tall Welsh guy who had been standing in front me slightly to my left. I suspect he was with the Haxan camp, but he moved away and let me step into his stage front space. Thank you, kind sir.

The venue was packed by the time Florence Black were due out on stage. Packed, hot and sweaty! I’ll also add – Stereo is a very loud venue!

A few minutes after nine, Florence Black took to the stage and after a moment or two, opened their hour long set with Zulu. Right from the start, these boys from Merthyr Tydfil were on fire. At the opposite side of the stage from where I was standing, frontman Tristan Thomas was being worshipped by a small group of fresh-faced young rock fans craving fist bumps.

Zulu set opener – Florence Black @ Stereo Glasgow 12/10/22 – YouTube

I was standing in front of bass player Jordan Evans but thanks to a large concrete pillar on stage I barely caught a glimpse of drummer Perry Davies all night. The joys of a basement venue!

Recent experience of playing arenas across Europe has really honed Florence Black’s stage presence. These boys are a tight slick unit and are destined to go far. I honestly don’t think we’ll get the opportunity again to see them headline such an intimate show.

Kudos to them though. They rocked Stereo as if they were already arena headliners!

Highlights of their twelve-song set for me were Grove Street which was swiftly followed by the awesome Black Cat.

Black Cat – Florence Black @ Stereo Glasgow 12/10/22 – YouTube

I’m not a Budgie fan so the boys’ cover of Breadfan perhaps missed the mark a little for me personally but was clearly much appreciated by the rest of the Scottish crowd.

The spectacular Sun and Moon rounded things off all too soon. Love this one!

Sun and Moon – Florence Black @ Stereo Glasgow 12/10/22 – YouTube

Confession…. I’d had my eyes on the setlist that had been at bass player Jordan’s feet, but I hadn’t held out any hope of being lucky enough to get it. Lady Luck shone down on me twice in the first few minutes after the gig. First, a spare pick fell from the pick slots in Jordan’s mic stand and landed right in front of me (Question- did you guys sign these with a sharpie marker?) Second, the chivalrous gentleman to my right reached over, lifted the setlist and handed it to me saying “You have this. I know you want it.” Thank you, sir.

A memorable evening that has rung in my ears now for days. (And, yes, I was wearing ear plugs)