The Twilight Sad | Michael Timmons | Fiskur | 2nd March 2019 - Glasgow Barrowland


Feature by Graeme J. Baty

I think I’ll have to make this the last time I review The Twilight Sad. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to objectively review the band, as I am ridiculously biased! Have they become an unreviewable juggernaut? This Barrowland gig seems like it’s been a long time coming. When they played here back in December 2015, that became one of the greatest gig experiences I’ve ever had. They're back a few years later to another sold-out audience.


Fiskur open the proceedings with a warm and light set before the impending doom and gloom of the headliners. Glasgow based project featuring a few familiar faces; Ross Clark, Andy Monaghan (Frightened Rabbit) and Christopher McGarry (Three Blind Wolves). There’s quite a good turn out early on to catch their splendid set.


Michael Timmons follows as main support and he's gathered quite a few fans among the diehard TTS followers, myself included! Having caught his set with them at Leeds Brudenell last summer. He's since gone on to support the band across Europe. He treats a very courteous and attentive audience to a selection of songs from his debut Bone Coloured. The song 'Material' proves a highlight of his short set, which gets me every time, just beautiful. He ends the set with an incredible barrage of cathedral reverb with a sound that cuts right into your soul. Quite an impressive achievement for a solo act. A great reminder that I really need to dig into my pocket and get a copy of that record!


I won’t say too much about the headliners. If you were there you’ll know how good it was. I drove six hours through rainstorms and battled a few inner demons to be here (a huge thank you to the lovely people who talked me into going x). Worth every inch of effort. This marks my tenth time seeing them, and remarkably, this show has increased my admiration for the band. I walked away from the show with a feeling of euphoria and gratitude. I’m grateful I’m alive and able to witness a show like this. Perhaps that is the way I should view the experience? Rather than describing songs or light shows, perhaps it really is the feelings that matter. Throughout the epic highs and epic lows of my life, The Twilight Sad have been a firm part of my soundtrack for the last 8 years and they are simply one of the greatest live bands of our generation. That euphoria is magic and might explain my unwavering love for the music.

The new material is absolutely stunning in a live setting. They’ve grown to become one of Scotland's most beloved bands and made a very welcome return with new album It Won/t Be Like This All The Time on Rock Action Records earlier in 2019. I/m Not Here gets the biggest crowd reaction of the new songs, with fans out-singing James with sheer volume and enthusiasm. That brought a huge smile to my face.


The setlist is a dream come true, with lots of favourites in there but predominantly features the strong new material. There are two distinct highlights of the set. There is nothing that will send shivers down your spine quite like hundreds of people signing (in a Scottish accent too :) Cold Days from the Birdhouse. It is, of course, Keep Yourself Warm that brings the biggest reaction. No tears for me this time, just pure love for a great song performed flawlessly.


I’m hoping for more UK shows later in the year, who knows, maybe another Barrowland show? Now that would be amazing. Such is the love for The Sad in Glasgow I’m confident they could have sold out a few nights in a row. I’ll settle for this one perfect night, though. Here’s to my next ten TTS gigs!

 

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