For the first time this year, Boy Child and I boarded the train to Glasgow on Saturday …no, not the 5:25 but the 4:08.
Why so early?
Because we had VIP tickets for the album launch show we were heading towards and needed to be there for 5:30.
So, who were we off to see?
The one and only Anchor Lane.
On Friday, the Glasgow based up and coming band released their second album Call This A Reality and the headline show in Glasgow’s G2 was the launch party/gig. The VIP ticket option afforded the lucky few an acoustic set before the main show, hence the early start.
By 5:30 we found ourselves in a modest queue that was duly escorted inside and upstairs to the Attic for Anchor Lane’s acoustic slot. This was a stripped back sonic delight.
Anchor Lane opened their seven-song acoustic set with Stutter, the first single from Call This A Reality. Hearing the boys play live in the raw was incredible. Personally, I feel there is nowhere to hid with an acoustic set. These three young musicians grabbed the opportunity and ran with it. The talent of all three of them shone through as did their personalities as they gave the assembled fans an insight into how some of the songs came about. I was delighted that one of my favourite tracks Nitroglycerin made the set.
The boys brought the acoustic proceedings to a close with their current single I Don’t Have Another Soul To Pour.
Wonderful stuff.
And even better, we didn’t have to go back outside into the cold when it was done. Instead, we were escorted back downstairs to G2 and granted early entry to the main venue. Happy days!
There were two support acts on the bill for the evening.
First on stage were Blue Nicotine, another Glasgow band and alias of front man Aidan Kelly. They delivered a solid half hour set, reminding me at times of Biffy Clyro. To be honest, there were a few sound issues throughout and it was a struggle to hear the vocals on some songs. Definitely a band to watch out for in future.
Next on stage were North Atlas… well, eventually they were out on stage. One technical issue after another wreaked havoc with their planned set. So, in the interests of fairness here, I’m applying my Thumper Principle until I’ve given them a fair chance. What they eventually delivered was great…short and sweet. Until next time.
(As I was writing this up earlier, I spoke nicely to Alexa and asked her to play North Atlas. Loved what I heard… now to hear it live one day.)
Praying that the gremlins were finally out of the works, I waited with bated breath for Anchor Lane to step out onto the small stage.
At 9pm in a swathe of blue pulsating lights, Anchor Lane took to the stage to open their headline show with Stutter, from the new album Call This A Reality. (Have I mentioned it already?). The electric version of Stutter was a million miles away from the acoustic version we had enjoyed some three hours earlier. Awesome start.
Front man Conor Gaffney asked “Are you ready?” as they started Stutter. The capacity Glasgow crowd most certainly were! Anchor Lane set out at a blistering pace. One last lingering gremlin wiped out their bass tracks but this was swiftly and professionally rectified as they moved into their second number, Ministry, another superb track from the new record, before rounding off the opening trio with the title track from the new album Call This A Reality.
Stutter – Anchor Lane @ G2 Glasgow 28/01/23 – YouTube
Anchor Lane were playing a blinding set…literally! Those lights were brutal!
This was the third time I’d seen Anchor Lane play live but only the first chance I’d had to see them headline. What really shines through with this band as much as their musical talent is their personalities and that something as a music fan that I love to see.
Front man Conor Gaffney is brilliant and had everyone in the room in the palm of bis hand from that opening cry of “Are you ready?”. A rare talent indeed. As for his energy…he could give the Duracell bunny a run for its money!
Guitarist Lawrence O’Brien seemed to have grown in confidence on stage since I last saw Anchor Lane when they supported Skindred back in 2021. Thanks to a pillar in the middle of the stage , my view of him was partially obscured but as he stepped forward to the edge of the stage you could clearly see and hear that he was in his favourite sonic playground.
And let’s not forget drummer Graeme Newbury, Anchor Lane’s engine room, sitting smiling out over proceedings from behind his drum kit. Super talented and again it was a delight to see the drummer engaging in the on stage banter along with the rest of the band. So often the drummer in a band seems a little bit cut off from the fans at the back of the stage.
Anchor Lane’s set was a balanced mix of old and new with a handful of fan favourites from their debut album Casino making an appearance on the set.
Honey – Anchor Lane @ G2 Glasgow 28/01/23 – YouTube
Highlights of this hi-energy show for me were Nitroglycerin, The Mischievous Song and the final song of the night, I Don’t Have Another Soul To Pour.
The Mischievous Song – Anchor Lane @ G2 Glasgow 28/01/23 – YouTube
Awesome gig! These boys deserve to go far as they pour their heart and soul into their shows.
Til next time, guys.
Go check them out. You can thank me later.
Anchor Lane – Call This a Reality? (slinky.to)
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