Nothing like heading down to your local pub and finding three of the best indie/punk bands playing in one spectacular show, but that's exactly what happened. As most of the country was tucked up sheltering from the 'Polar Vortex' sweeping the nation, a hardy bunch of Glasgow's finest (and a couple more from afar) queued, for what felt like days, to see their local heroes; Baby Strange, The Dunts and Rascalton.
As you walk down the narrow staircase and into the bar, it's like a who's who of local musicians with members of The Vanities, Snash, Fences, Heavy Rapids and even Walt Disco's James Potter on the bar. All equally as buzzing as the devoted fan base.
Rarely does The Priory see any refurbs, but with the BBC cameras in, the ceiling (crumbling from years of crowd surfing and fist pumping youths) is now sorted and the stage rearranged, giving drummers a chance to actually see the carnage unfolding. The Priory is were bands cut their teeth and were fans find new favourites; it's wider recognition is long overdue.
All three bands played to an adoring crowd, who probably know the songs better than the band members themselves! While the live favourites got an airing, it was encouraging to hear new, ambitious material.
The Dunts give more time to Colin McGachy's vocals, Rascalton mix it up with a heavier sound and Baby Strange show their intent with latest single 'Job in the City (Working For Nothing)' - a snarling, pulsating punk track bemoaning the unfulfilling nature of working for "The Man".
After making their live comeback in only December, Baby Strange are seemingly cranking up their approach to 2019 with big ideas, big releases and most likely a UK-wide tour. However, for now, playing on home soil is treating them well, as we find frontman Johnny Madden at his charismatic best.
The 3-piece keep chat to a minimum as they hurtle through tracks form now-infamous debut album 'Want It Need It' sprinkled with more recent material. Released in 2016, it's easy to forget how many belting live songs are on it with 'VVV' and 'California Sun' both sticking out as highlights.
Above all, tonight was a celebration, a gathering of friends, bands, photographers and most importantly fans - the most dedicated in the country who turn up rain or shine (or snow). For everyone who felt The Priory walls shake, this landmark gig will no doubt live long in the memory. ~ DC
Rascalton embark on a 10-date UK tour with pals Strange Bones starting on the 31st, before joining The Dunts as they both travel to Texas for SXSW in March.
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