11 February 2026, The Old Fruitmarket
Helicon
On the day that the band’s latest album Arise is released, it seems very appropriate to provide a review to their support act at The Old Fruitmarket.
I’ve been fortunate to see Helicon on several occasions over the past couple of years and each time they look and feel more relaxed as a group, on this particular night, all eight of them at one time or another.
This was probably the first time I’d seen them in a supporting role for a fairly major act and consequently their time on stage was limited. However, with what time they had, they used it to captivate the ever-growing audience as the set progressed. Vocals are sparse throughout the back catalogue of the band, as they rely on creating a wall of sound that is hypnotic to the core.
And as part of the core, they utilise the sitar playing of Graham Gordon to drive the sound in a unique direction. His enthusiasm and showmanship are infectious. Given the eastern overtures of the headliners, it’s hardly surprising they turned to Helicon to provide a musical link into their own set.
While the band played selected songs from their catalogue of albums, the new song provided a clue as to the broader direction they may be travelling into. Having listened to the new album a couple of times already, I’m looking forward to how they interpret the new songs in the live setting.
On this showing, Helicon remain on an upward trajectory. The title of the album, Arise, may be a clue as to their own thoughts on that matter too!
Kula Shaker
A walk into The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow’s Merchant City, is like traveling back in time, with the signs of former fruit wholesalers hanging from just below the balcony level. It’s letting people know that this is no ordinary sterilised concert venue. It has a long history and, with a number of its period features retained, including the lofty vaulted roof, cast iron columns and balcony, The Old Fruitmarket offers a unique setting for gigs like tonight.
It’s a venue which won over Kula Shaker frontman Crispin Mills and the band, who in turn wowed the crowd, not only with an energetic set that showcased many of the tracks from the recent album Wormslayer , but, thanks to the ‘Mad Alchemist’, turned the entire venue into a living, psychedelic extravaganza, providing a kaleidoscopic backdrop that accompanied the music perfectly.
The Wormslayer Tour is on the road to promote the recently released album of the same name and nine of the eleven tracks released found their way onto the setlist. For an album that was barely released a fortnight before the show, it says much for the fanbase that so many already seemed familiar to them. So often the crowd at gigs just want to hear greatest hits set. However, while the hits were included, they played second fiddle until the encore at least and the night was all the better for it.
The inclusion of Indian singer Triparna Mukherjee added further authenticity to the album tracks she appeared on and seemed all at home in Scottish blue as all in front of her were captivated by the vocal range she offered.
Say beside her at his Hammond organ, Jay Darlington had the look of someone who had stepped off a Lord of the Rings filmset, yet along with Paul Winterhart on drums and Alonza Bevan on bass, they provided the framework for lead guitarist, lead singer and overall lead showman Crispin Mills to deliver the punchy chords, the fleeting guitar solos showcasing his skills in moving up and down the frets. However, as a consummate showman he made sure everyone was involved both on and off stage throughout the night.
As a band, Kula Shaker have been releasing music since 1996. Thirty years of practice, recording, touring. Years spent refining their music, refining the sets the play. More importantly, they reminded everyone who came to The Old Fruitmarket that they haven’t lost any energy or musical ideas that will keep, and grow, their fanbase.
