Grade 2 / Slobheads / The Guillotines - Stereo, Glasgow 6th November 2023

Knowing and spreading information is one thing, but the energy it creates is a physical living thing. So what can you do with it? Where can it go? On the 6th the physical fires may be out but for one cold clear Monday night in Glasgow it can go round the corner from Central Station into a cobbled alley, to spiral downstairs into a warm dark basement, that is the venue space in Stereo.

I love this venue. It’s versatile, in this basement I’ve been to club nights of many genres, theatre shows and gigs of all variety (including very randomly Satanists Do-wop which I highly recommend), nothing feels out of place and tonight’s Punk show is no exception. The staff are friendly, drinks are are reasonably priced, the upstairs bar has a particularly nice range of craft beers if your so inclined and some bottles downstairs, waters on the bar and they can furnish you with ear plugs, I remembered mine this evening, not just because my ear drums took a beating the last time I saw one of these bands, but I always like to check because I often forget and am no longer young enough to just suffer the consequences.

First on the bill are Glasgow based five-piece The Guillotines consisting of: Micah – vocals/lead guitar, Steve Oi! -vocals/bass, John vocals/guitar, Davie Snakes – vocals/trumpet/trombone and Andy – vocals/drums. Despite taking the stage shortly after doors opening there is a substantial crowd considering it’s a Monday, perhaps showing their home team advantage, but any thoughts that locality is their draw is immediately dispelled as the they punch nosily into the room with amazing energy, setting the tone of an excellent evening. They’re set is tight, it’s clear they are seasoned musicians, who are not just comfortable, they are in command. The Guillotines breathe life into the crowd, bodies moving and shouting back enthusiastically to their interaction. This fast-paced Punk Ska is exactly what we all came here for. 'Bojo The Clown’ clearly a favourite with the crowd poking fun and a finger at our former prime minister, a comical if grim reminder of the world out with and of Punks place in it. 

Next up the Slobheads, London based duo, who are a trio this evening. They pick up the riotous pace lain down by The Guillotines, with giddy joy and a cheeky glint in their eyes, a great stage presence which guitarist/vocalist Harry Jarvis never drops throughout. Wearing matching ‘jock caps’ which look so at home with their schoolboy punk aesthetic that I honestly wish was part of their usual stage attire and thought was until drummer Macey Sherman removes theirs most probably overheating from they’re frantically fantastic thrashing. There is a little timidness to newer recruit vocalist Ross, it wains as the set batters on, his pint is drained and his confidence increases, seemingly coming to a crescendo as a mic is freed to increase thrashing mobility at ‘Satans Guffs’ through which they give it their all, ready to submit to ‘times up’ however Macey relays there’s time to spare! A surprise to the rest of the band and what seemed to be an end is instead a renewal as they launch with vigorous delight into a few bonus tracks which the audience receive happily.

The main event comes quickly, there is not too much time between acts tonight which I really like, the momentum is continuous, it suits the mood and the music. Headliners Grade 2 to explode on the stage, I noticed bassist/vocalist Sid had been poised waiting at the side and had wondered was the ritual/nerves or was he just raring to go? Their roar to life with ‘Graveyard Island’ screams the obvious, he was ready for this. They are full of glee as they confidently tear into their set. Sid and guitarist/vocalist Jack seamlessly switching position, eyes meeting the crowd exuding total joy and clearly demonstrating their decade of experience playing together long before Sid thanks the crowd for taking part in this moment for them. It is well documented bands love the crowds and despite it being a Monday those who have turned up really have. It is not fully riotous but then neither are Grade 2, they are slick and polished, not sanitised but a well-oiled unit. For those who wish there is some merry jousting at the barrier and if not lots of toe taping and righteous head nodding just a little back. Drummer Jacob seems almost in a zen like state furiously crashes with precision through most of the set with his eyes closed, the whole band are in the zone. They speak of the privilege it is to spend ten years doing what the love with a genuineness that energies the crowd further, leading in to ‘Only Ones I Trust’ followed by ‘Under The Street Lights’ ending on a high. They are exactly what I had expected while listening to their latest record, a band you should really see live and a reminder that music can unite and help us deal with the frustrations of an ever increasingly exasperating world.

It was a great evening, all the bands brought tons of energy, there was a good mix of ages and a lot of enthusiasm from the crowd. Absolutely forgot it was a school night let alone a Monday. All definitely bands you should see live. Keep an eye on The Guillotines pages for upcoming gigs and if you didn’t catch the Slobheads with Grade 2 (who are touring the US through December if you’re on that side of the pond check out their website for dates near you) follow them both as I’m sure there will be more shows in the UK soon.