DECLAN WELSH & THE DECADENT WEST SHOWCASE NEW ALBUM ‘2’ FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

THE WORLD TOUR OF GLASGOW HITS THE CITY’S EAST END

If you have yet to catch Declan Welsh and the Decadent West (DWDW) live then you are really missing something special. A band who never do things by half and and will never bring you the same show two nights in a row – with the latter of the statements recently taken very seriously. To promote their forthcoming second album ‘2’ – out October 27th – the indie outfit announced a one off ‘World Tour of Glasgow’. A unique concept which acknowledges their dense fan base around Glasgow takes the band to five very different city venues to deliver five very different live experiences.

The tour kicked off in the city’s southside last month at The Rum Shack with the ultimate boogie night. Then as a sharp comparison the band then landed in Glasgow’s West End at the stunning Cottiers venue. Set in a converted church, Cottiers date saw the full 7 piece live band plus a one off string quartet completely transformed their entire sound for the evening.

The third stop takes us to this evenings events in the East End of the city at Glasgow’s Drygate. A craft micro-brewery which overlooks Scotland’s biggest brewery, Glasgow’s Drygate is one of the bigger of the intimate venues on this tour. With its corrugated roof and industrial shed like interior, Drygate brings an element of the outdoors in, complete with an insta ready low fairy light ceiling. Tonight DWDW will premier their new unreleased album ‘2’ live for the the first, and perhaps only time ever.

PLASTICINE

Before DWDW get on with their album launch, it’s over to the two support bands of the evening to get the party started. Up first is fellow Glasgow band Plasticine. The four piece alternative band are on sharp this evening, just 15 minutes after doors opening. Despite the early slot, they still manage to draw a decent crowd. Led by singer/guitarist Skye Summer, Plasticine are probably one of the most exciting new bands on the local scene just now and having just signed to Marshall Live Agency, that net is set to extended much further. Fat guitar heavy grunge energy with a ear worming melodies, it’s clear to see and hear why this band are gaining all the right amount of traction. Summer’s delicate vocals with attitude fueled lyrics are reminiscent of the early 90’s grunge scene. Their stage presence ticks all the right boxes and they deliver pitch perfect but unfortunately the performance lacks in atmosphere a little. Nothing to do with the band themselves, it’s down the early stage time that causes the hindrance. When they play Tenement Trail next weekend, I imagine the room will have a completely different energy.

SLIX

By the time tonight’s second support act takes their place on stage, the room has become a much tighter packed space. Ayrshire band, Slix – who are no strangers to Northern Exposure – waste no time funneling every ounce of energy into their electric performance. The five young guys have an unmistakable bond which reflects in their stage presence. Captivating to watch, the bands catchy indie pop-punk rock songs are full of relatable themes associated with growing up in a working class town. Singer Robbie Peden is a force to be reckoned with. The man literally sings with his veins bulging from forehead. Every member of Slix have the energy of an entire band. The sheer passion and buckets of sweat drawn by the time they finish up confirm their well earnt space on that stage. A band you must catch if you so happen to be attending Middlesbrough Twisterella festival next month.

2

9pm draws near and it’s time for the main act, Declan Welsh and The Decadent West to kick the party off. Tonight for the first time ever, DWDW will perform their second album ‘2’ from start to finish. This evening, the usual four piece (Declan Welsh – vocal/guitar, Duncan McBride – guitar, Ben Corlett – bass and Murray Noble -drums) are joined by their extended line up of Josephine Sillars (keys) and Barnaby Wilde (guitars). The opening track to ‘2‘ is one already well known to everybody in the room and that is previous single Mercy. As Declan jokes earlier in the evening, a safe bet opener and one to lure the listener in.

After rattling out the first two familiar singles Mercy and King of My Head, the first new song is set loose, Come Outside. Qué the tirade of phones out, fans eager to savour the album before it’s release next month. Keeping very much in tune with the introspective subdued nature of King of My Head, the next song – Okay Now – subtly changes the tone to one that Declan can really launch his character into.

Declan Welsh is a man made for the stage. His entire body just reflects the music. He is animated in every sense. Declan isn’t just singing songs but he is telling you stories. Stories which are read with all the passion of a professional bard. A theatrical performance but not obtusely, the focus is still very much on the music because after all, this is a gig and not a musical.

NO FUN

The crowd naturally respond particularly well to the better known singles and the new tracks are well received considering they haven’t been played before. The ten track album comes to a timely conclusion with The Comedian – a song which has all the right characteristics of a grand finale. But it’s not even 10pm yet. Barely wasting a breath, Declan cheekily returns to the mic saying ‘I suppose’ before those familiar first few bars of No Fun rip across the room causing an eruption of energy. This is the beating heart of Declan Welsh and the Decadent West and what fans can’t get enough of. Hit after hit after hit, fans are treated to a 6 track greatest hits encore which has the venue bouncing.

An ultimately refreshing show which acts as an unofficial launch of their anticipated sophomore album. Leaning less on the guitar elements and focusing more on the lyrical value, ‘2’ is delicate territory, but of course, DWDW have it nailed. Not many independent artists can perform 5 (6 if you count their upcoming support slot with The Reytons next week) shows in one city and gather crowds of these numbers. The next stop, a sold out 100 cap McChuills show just outside Glasgow’s Merchant City on October 4th which promises a sweaty back to basics punk night. But no need to miss out on this iconic mini tour, Declan and co invite you all to Partick Thistles Alan Rough Lounge for an ‘almost Halloween’ party on October 15th. Alternatively, DWDW are hitting the road themselves in November/December across the UK and Europe following a UK wide support slot with The Reytons already underway.