Photos: Elliot McRae
If there’s one thing certain in 2017 it’s that Dirty Hit are the most exciting label in the country right now. Still basking in the success of The 1975’s glorious 2016 and with Wolf Alice waiting in the wings to return, it’s now time to focus on some of the label’s hottest prospects and some returning heroes as a good old fashioned package tour winds through Glasgow’s King Tuts.
King Nun are a band in a hurry and they careen through their short, sharp set with reckless abandon. It’s easy to get swept away in their thrilling punk rock attack as songs weave into one long heavy and glorious racket. There’s clarity amongst the chaos though and some whip-smart pop hooks begin to emerge. Over in what feels like a flash, the whole thing sounds like a supercharged rocket strapped to the moon. King Nun = Big Fun.
Pale Waves are a little more refined but when you’re in possession of the banger of the year in ‘There’s A Honey’ you can afford to play it cool. There’s a huge amount of anticipation as they take to the stage and rightly so. This is a moment. Opening song ‘Television Romance’ is a certified anthem which contains the best chorus you’ve ever heard. What’s even better is that they top it with the next song and the one after that and… you get the picture. Just when you think Pale Weaves have reached their peak, they raise the bar even higher. You can see the band led by singer Heather Baron-Gracie visibly grow into the set as effortless gleaming pop hooks stream out like water from the purest glistening waterfall. They end with ‘There’s A Honey’. In case you were wondering, it’s even better live. Obviously.
Unlike the first two bands, Superfood have been around a bit longer but Dirty Hit provides a perfect home for them as they return with a point to prove. Their forthcoming as-of-yet-unnamed second album provides them with a new batch of tunes and a fresh impetus as they return to the stage for the first time in ages. Frontman Dominic Ganderton is positively beaming as the band run through their vibrant set with more than a few new tricks up their sleeve. They open with ‘Double Dutch’ which takes on a new kind of urgency and energy live. The smattering of new songs they do play highlights the band’s willingness to shake things up. Hooky, fun and bonkers in the right way there’s no boundaries for the all new Superfood. There’s still room for old thrills though and a joyous run through ‘Superfood’ and ‘You Can Believe’ reminds us why Superfood are so great.
Any one of the bands on show tonight would make a great show on their own. Package them all together in one bundle of Dirty Hit goodness and you have a special night. Dirty Hit’s new breed are rising.