It's not often that I see a gig listing for a band unknown to me one hour before the tickets go on sale, and by the time that hour has elapsed, I've listened to enough of their music to decide I have to go. Anchor Lane are a rock trio from Glasgow whose most recent album, Call This a Reality? has enough hooks to keep a fleet of fishermen happy, though their boats would be rocking so hard they might capsize.
After purchasing two tickets, I checked in with my mate to see if he wanted the other and Disaster! He was already going to The Skids at the Bungalow in Paisley that night. I asked my wife if she wanted to come along. Rock isn't her usual musical fare, but after hearing a few of their songs, she agreed, surprisingly. Maybe she didn't want me hanging about with all the young rock chicks in case they stole me away from her. (Ha!)
King Tut's is iconic. You feel the gravitas as you climb the stairs, seeing the names of all the big names that have played there. Being a small venue, you're so close to the performers that it can't help but feel intimate. The only downside is that the lighting employed for rock bands tends to blast at you with the intensity of a nuclear explosion. It becomes difficult to see the band and occasionally induces a migraine.
As usual, I arrived early, before the venue's doors opened, in order to snag a particular spot on the bench at the back of the standing area. It grants you a seat during the wait before the bands come on and provides an elevated view, unobscured by heads when the gig starts. There wasn't much of a wait, though, as the support act, Lo Riders, came on at 8 p.m., just thirty minutes later.
I wasn't familiar with them. They make a good racket, but I didn't warm to the Finnish singer's voice. Most of the time, her vocals lacked power and clarity, though that might have been due to the sound mix. Musically, they plough the same furrow as Yonaka but don't match that band for style and quality (based on what I saw and heard tonight). I probably wouldn't make the effort to see them again unless they bring out some better tunes.
Anchor Lane are young, but they certainly don't lack confidence. They delivered an assured set with lots of energy and swagger. Conor's voice was strong, and he was a great presence on the stage. The audience played their part, singing along, knowing all the words. The guitarist produced some amazing sounds with his effects pedals, and the drummer kept everything tight. When the crowd erupted into an impromptu "Here we, here we, here we fucking go" (as they inevitably do these days), the band accompanied us like it was a proper song in the set that we just happened to be singing.
The band are great live. Their songs are catchy with a good balance of hook-ladened choruses and thumping, jumping-up-and-down rock numbers. They totally deserve wider recognition. I'd love to see them perform on a bigger stage in front of a larger audience. Unfortunately, tonight's show wasn't sold out, but the room was packed enough for everyone to enjoy themselves. Even my wife thought they were good, though she did complain about the lighting. Just because there is a heavy beat, it doesn't need to be accompanied by a blinding pulse of bright light every single time.
In light of that, I hope to see the band again somewhere else, somewhere bigger.
Setlist:
Choke
Stutter
Call This a Reality?
Ministry
Sit Tight Sunshine
I've Been Waiting
Electric Karma (Conor performed beside the crowd on the small stage in the bar area)
Honey
Blood & Irony
Fame Shame
Nitroglycerin
Sycophant Disorder (with Lo Rays)
I Don't Have Another Soul To Pour
Videos: "Stutter", "Fame Shame" & "I Don't Have Another Soul to Pour"
(Videos contain flashing lights)
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| Lo Rays |
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| Conor performing from the bar area stage |
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| Anchor Lane & Lo Riders |
Anchor Lane, who cite a wide range of influences including Nothing but Thieves, Royal Blood, Biffy Clyro, Queens of the Stone Age, Muse and Foo Fighters are undoubtedly one of the most exciting bands to come out of Scotland in recent years.
2023 saw the release of their new album Call This a Reality? which garnered top reviews and airplay from the likes of Jack Saunders, Daniel P. Carter & Alyx Holcombe at BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and Planet Rock etc. The album entered the Top Ten Official UK Rock Albums Chart upon release, scoring the band back-to-back Top Ten placements as their debut album Casino did likewise. Notably in the Official UK album charts, Call This a Reality? also placed at #3 in the Record Store chart, #9 in the Scottish chart and #21 in the Independent chart.
Anchor Lane have built a reputation as a thrilling and dynamic live act through several successful headline UK tours and appearances at numerous prominent music festivals such as Download, Isle of Wight, Belladrum and most recently Reading & Leeds. The band have also played notable guest spots with artists like Eagles of Death Metal, Tremonti & Skindred.
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