25 February 2026, SWG3
In truth, I had to re-familiarise myself with the music of the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets ahead of the gig at SWG3.
What was evident from doors opening though, was that the band didn’t have such worries with the rest of the audience as they drifted in.
Young (compared to us!), excited, and up for joining the inevitable mosh pit that developed throughout the set, this was an evening that brought out the very best in Glasgow audiences, and it was reciprocated by the band at the top of their form.
For those coming to terms with the band for the first time here’s a couple of pointers that were re-enforced throughout the night.
The band offer a high-energy show, and you will inevitably go with the flow toe tapping, bobbing, weaving and if adventurous joining the pit.
As the name suggests they’re a psychedelic laden band the three guitarists dove tailing with each other whether as lead or keeping the rhythm going and bass and drums in tandem, keeping the tempo throughout at maximum levels. Jack McEwan on vocal duties combined with thrashing the guitar throughout and certainly made sure he and the band were taking the audience with them.
There are traces of psychedelic rock music across the set, but make know doubt about it, the band certainly know how to rock.
In between songs, there was little time for audience banter, though the ritual commentary around ‘…really looking forward to coming back to Glasgow..’, otherwise it was a pretty hectic show.
What time the band did have on stage was never wasted as they ran through an extravagant mix of nineteen songs selected from across their career. Seven albums in only eight years, that in itself is an achievement worth consideration when looking at the punishing touring schedule that has seen them build a worldwide fanbase.
At the end of the night, there was a realisation why a couple of albums had been added to the collection over the past few years. Somewhere, somehow, a spark had been ignited and, on the night’s, showing it’s a spark that will remain lit for a long time to come.
Waldo’s Gift
I try to make a point of arriving at a gig in plenty of time to get a good vantage point and also to make sure I don’t miss any of the support acts. This was re-emphasised with Waldo’s Gift who did everything that could be asked of them to warm up the audience ahead of the main act.
Listening to the band, they have a very relaxed manner about the songs they play, to the extent that they basically free formed a song just for the night as they generally do at all their gigs. Now that is talent allied with a degree of confidence in each of the three of them to deliver something that sounds palatable to those in front of them.
Great guitar work, deft touches on the bass and a drummer / vocalist / cheer leader who gave his all.
I’ve been very lucky, especially over the past couple of years, to see plenty of bands who I hadn’t even heard of before the show and to mark down as ones to see again in the future. Waldo’s Gift certainly hit the mark with everyone lucky enough to hear and cheer them on at SWG3.
