CROWS: KING TUT’S, GLASGOW

London post-punk band Crows unleashed a performance of pure intensity at Glasgow’s legendary King Tut’s, proving why they’ve earned a reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts in the UK. Known for their aggressive sound and chaotic energy, Crows transformed the intimate venue into a frenzy of raw noise and sweat-soaked enthusiasm.

Frontman James Cox was a relentless force from the moment the band hit the stage. His commanding presence dominated the room as he jumped between the stage and the barrier, smacking the mic against his chest in time with the crowd’s chants of “Here we, here we, here we f***ing go!” The line between performer and audience blurred as Cox hurled himself into the crowd, creating moments of raw, visceral connection that underscored his unrivaled stage presence. It’s this fearless crowd engagement that has become a hallmark of Crows’ shows, as they push the limits of intensity and break down the traditional performer-audience divide.

Steve Goddard’s guitar work was equally electrifying, his piercing distortion filling the room with a wall of sound that rattled every corner of King Tut’s. Celebrating his birthday that night, Goddard played with a ferocity that made it clear the band was here for more than just a routine gig—it was a celebration of chaos. The rhythm section, driven by thunderous drumming and pulsating basslines, kept the momentum high, amplifying the energy that reverberated throughout the packed, sweaty crowd.

The band’s relentless performance was a testament to their rise from the London underground post-punk scene. Formed in the early 2010s, Crows have spent years honing their craft, building a reputation for their raw and atmospheric sound. Their debut album, Silver Tongues (2019), released on IDLES frontman Joe Talbot’s label, put them on the map with its blend of dark, heavy post-punk and unflinching lyricism. Tracks like “Chain of Being” and “Demeanour” reflected the band’s ability to combine hypnotic riffs with an unyielding aggression, a sound that has drawn comparisons to Joy Division and Protomartyr.

That same intensity was in full force in Glasgow. Musically, the band is at their peak—loud, fast, and heavy, with each song propelling the night’s chaos forward. Their 2022 follow-up album, Beware Believers, took their sound even further into abrasive, unsettling territory, and the live versions of those tracks, including the standout “Slowly Separate,” were nothing short of ferocious. The night’s performance made it clear that Crows are not just a studio band—they are built for the stage, where their music truly comes alive in all its visceral, confrontational glory.

As the show reached its conclusion, the eerie cawing of Crows echoed through the now-empty stage, a haunting reminder of the sheer intensity that had just unfolded. For any fan of post-punk, noise rock, or simply live music that challenges and captivates, Crows are an absolute must-see. Their ability to channel such overwhelming energy into both their music and their live performances makes them one of the most exciting acts in the modern post-punk scene. Whether you’ve followed them since their debut or are just discovering them now, seeing Crows live is a visceral, unforgettable experience that cements their place as one of the UK’s most exciting post-punk acts.

Words and pictures: Rose McEnroe @rosemcenroephoto