English Teacher’s performance at Glasgow’s Queen Margaret Union was a triumphant display of their artistic evolution.
Combining raw energy with poetic introspection, the Leeds-based quartet captivated a packed audience, delivering a dynamic set that reflected their rising status as one of the UK’s most innovative indie bands. With a sound as eclectic as their influences, English Teacher’s show was nothing short of unforgettable.
English Teacher formed in 2018 when members Lily Fontaine (vocals, keys), Lewis Whiting (guitar), Nick Eden (bass), and Douglas Frost (drums) met at Leeds Conservatoire. Their shared passion for blending art-punk sensibilities with literate lyricism quickly set them apart. From their early days in Leeds’ indie scene to their breakout EP Polyawkward (2022), the band has steadily built a reputation for crafting music that challenges and captivates.
Their Glasgow show opened with “R&B,” a grungy anthem brimming with emotional force. Fontaine’s commanding stage presence brought the song to life, her powerful vocals cutting through the room with visceral intensity. Whiting’s guitar lines added sharp textures, while Eden and Frost anchored the track with a rhythm section that felt both propulsive and deliberate.
The band’s versatility became apparent as the set progressed. Tracks like “Mastermind Specialism” highlighted their ability to blend orchestral-like arrangements with deeply personal narratives. Fontaine’s introspective lyrics, delivered with aching vulnerability, drew the audience into a quiet reverence, contrasting beautifully with the raw, chaotic energy of earlier songs.
English Teacher’s unique approach to music reflects their diverse inspirations, which range from post-punk to literary storytelling. Fontaine’s charismatic connection with the crowd, paired with the band’s technical precision, created a live experience that felt both intimate and expansive. Standout moments like “Nearly Daffodils” combined theatrical flair with heartfelt authenticity, solidifying their reputation as genre-bending pioneers.
Closing with “Albert Road,” the band delivered a dreamlike finale, leaving the audience in awe. The track’s sweeping arrangement and emotional depth encapsulated what makes English Teacher extraordinary: their ability to tell stories that feel universal yet deeply personal.
With their Mercury Prize win for This Could Be Texas and a growing reputation for electrifying live performances, English Teacher are clearly a band on the rise. Glasgow’s Queen Margaret Union witnessed a group not only at the height of their powers but one that promises to keep evolving and surprising.
Words and pictures: Rose McEnroe @rosemcenroephoto