Saint Luke’s, Glasgow
February 24th, 2024
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing a gig at Glasgow’s St Luke’s venue to cover the support act instead of the main one. It is a church that like so many others has changed into a concert hall. It was decided in 2012 that the magnificent building needed a new purpose and renovation began in 2015. It’s in an iconic spot in the city with unmistakable red light meeting you at its entrance.
The scene was great looking down from the Gods (so to speak) the room packed and the vibe tremendous. I was there for support act ‘Kill the Pain’ who came on as a duo in sparkling red and blue dresses, and began effortlessly to inject the gig with its tones of outstanding visual and sound marksmanship.
But first I’ll remark a little on the main act who were just as brilliantly effective. Both of these bands were formed in France, Nouvelle Vague (the main act) brought out a covers album way back in 2004 when they came together to agree that it would be a worthwhile endeavour after years as musicians and producers in the music world. Their show last night had come from the specifics of French cinema in the 1960’s and new wave music from the 70’s and 80’s, they have hit a target that wipes the floor in this genre.
But now to the support act this thing called ‘Kill the Pain’. As I’ve said the venue is a handsome version of what used to be a place for religious worship, so that vibe is already powerful, as the lights went dark and the crowd quietened on came the two protagonists for the night to the tune of two humans who took to the stage without nervousness nor fragility but with a confidence that was to heighten throughout the night. They played and danced with each other sharing vocals and swapping instruments, and with total abandon explored a great many styles fitting them into a genre that was to be wonderfully celebrated throughout the evening.
A music of careful spontaneity, with a band who have hit their 20th anniversary and are following Nouvelle through a tour of the UK this year, it’s a very special gig but every inch of it total fun. I’ll mention here to give a sense of the sounds that reverberated into a room where the audience too were as dedicated as the music.
To the ceiling filled with a sound coming from 1960’s French film and musical roots of funky, outlandish and reverberant encumbering sensuality. A gorgeous vocal collaboration that changed and charged the tunes creating divergent, irony inducing fabulousness! and most of all, remarkably, without the barrier of stage and crowd. The fantastic, soothingly smooth music mixed with an amazingly strong French appeal, and unavoidable welcome to taste, construed freedom and loveliness embroiled.
Once again the view from up in the gallery mixed with the sight of the crowd and stage below was emotionally iconic, tremendously intimate, a scene fit for the making of a famous night. In the more than capable hands of musicians in the throes of dance, theatre and vocal masteries but with the intentions of a thing everyone is invited to. A staunch night of music made of love, dancing made of passion and collaborations made of gold.
Daniel Donnelly
Mumble Music 