SWG3, Glasgow
2nd December, 2023
To kick off a night like this one at Glasgow’s SWG3 not far from the river on came the seductively suited and well known act called Motopia. A band whose lyrics were of the most tasteful and gut grabbing story-telling brought to the music stage. The main act of the night being the mighty Mickey 9’s, a group who cause feverish partying, was well in hand as Motopia embellished the night in rock n’ folk brilliance that you just don’t want to end.
So after a half hour set on was to come the next act Ocean Views whose songs were clear and reductive. The selection of music came from the beyond in it’s dynamic change of events to compliment an evening of magnanimous and sheer joy. Ocean’s sound just spread throughout the room that was a scene of enigmatic treasure, music is very much alive in this City and everything was enthralled.
Their perfectly poised amps and intense vocal was so good that in the midst of a heavy yet as I say enigmatic rock n’ roll filled me with a tinge of sadness just at how elevated everything seemed. The Mickey 9’s entourage is miles long in its creation of esteemed music that blends so many styles into a new vibe of artistic sophistication. Their presence has an astounding kind of mystery, that outgrows itself and forever becomes dynamite for its audience and shall I say followers.
Since their debut album 2015’s ‘The Party Manifesto’, a very iconic celebration, they frequently play in Glasgow’s music venues, having party’s suited to smaller scenes that they so vivaciously ignite, their festival appearances are a favourite for fans. They tear up their talents for lyrical idiosyncrasy that draws from a vast pool that is deep and wide. You can catch him singing about psychosis, sociality, terrors and dreads with the most joyous irony and creative pleasure.
There is a sense of originality to their sound and very deductive appearance strutting easily on stage and reaching to every chasm of the room, in a way that leads music forward effortlessly. Every time you see them they just get better, there’s more to take in and figure out, the crowd grows with them, the joy is simply opened up and has no end in sight. It’s like they’ve discovered the meaning of music and everybody knows and completely loves it. I can only hope that I have imparted a sense of the spectacle that was on show last night.
Daniel Donnelly
Mumble Music 