Sunday at TRNSMT is even hotter, and any fears of Irn Bru tans being washed away are soon replaced by the possibility that they may instead melt off. The weekend’s fashion is brief and at times comparable to what you’d wear at Bondi Beach, Platja de Magaluf or Seton Sands. ‘Nough said, maybe I just wish I was young again.
The longest queues of day seem to be at the water bottle filling points…see, we’re not all Buckie-swilling radges. TRNSMT were clear on their policy of no food and drink being brought in, including water, though they recommended we bring an empty bottle for filling at various water points. These have apparently increased in number this year but there are still not enough and a contingency plan is required in the event of un-Scottish hot weather, especially with the prices being charged for drink. That said, demand for beer and cider is still high and there are quite a few empty bottles of illicit fermented-wine strewn amongst the paper cups, and a couple of casualties as a result.
Anyway on with the music and for those nursing hangovers, the River Stage is the place to be with a selection of easy listening acts to soothe. But we’re all for shaking off the night before with some gutsy guitar and King Tut’s opening act, Liverpool’s Crawlers, do just that saying “we are The Crawlers, let’s beat the hangover with this!” delivering a dark and raw burst of grunge-infused rock, having been influenced by many bands but citing Nirvana as the one thing they all agree on.
There’s a definite fan base here, the opening chords of Come Over (Again) causing a rush towards the stage. On this number Holly Minto’s vocals display a real depth, channelling a Chrissie Hynde vibe. She tells me after the set that although she has a naturally deep voice, she’s had classical training and has embraced her lower vocal range. Liv Kettle’s bruising bass stirs up a storm on last single F*ck Me (I Didn’t Know How To Say), and new song Feminist impresses the crowd. They channel a gloom-themed but energetic vibe with songs about break ups, anxiety and depression which Minto says are in part the result of her “journalling my feelings and getting out there what I can’t always say out loud”. Last number Placebo propels the crowd into a midday frenzy with guitarist Amy Woodall’s rollicking riff and Minto and Kettle’s lively stage antics. Although they admit that it was probably the most challenging slot of the day, I can honestly say they well and truly smashed it. Asked how they compare festival shows to their own gigs, drummer Harry Breen said it’s in fact “gratifying when people who don’t know you turn up and cheer because when you do your own tour even if you f*** up, people are going to cheer”. Well I think there’ll be a lot more cheering soon, with forthcoming dates at Chicago’s Lollapalooza at the end of the month. Keep your eyes peeled for this bunch!
Glasgow’s Dylan John Thomas thrills the gathering Main Stage crowd with his indie-folk set including the heartfelt jangle of Jenna, which jigs along in a sound which could entice some arm-linking once you’ve had a couple, which many clearly have by 2pm. Having supported the likes of Liam Gallagher, Sam Fender and Ocean Colour Scene he’s no stranger to these huge audiences and oozes confidence as he takes up his solo spot, clearly ready for impending success. The former busker doesn’t even appear to be sweating under that mass of curls which seem to be quite the rage out in the crowd. His finger picking guitar style shines through as he wanders through his set, invigorating the early afternoon crowd. Finger pickin’ good!
Edinburgh’s Bonnie Kemplay soothes and woos the crowd with some woozy melodies while Luz has a similar vibe on The River Stage, perfect for a lazy, sunny Sunday afternoon. Bathgate’s singer/songwriter Dylan Fraser is up next, another West Lothian rising star. He’s been on the same stage as Wet Leg and Inhaler recently, and citing influences from Joni Mitchell to Nine Inch Nails, his infusion of alt-folk and rock gets a great reception and is one to watch out for.
Another Scottish singer/songwriter on the watch list is Glasgow’s Connor Fyfe, especially for all you Sam Fender fans out there. At just 15 he’s the youngest artist at TRNSMT this year and having already supported The Snuts as well as selling out Scottish venues with his emotive, guitar-driven rock, he’s going places fast. He’s yet another Sunday treat for the crowd, easing them back to life. Bellshill’s Rianne Downey follows, her sprightly classic rock covers and own music having made her an overnight success.
Australia’s alt-rock supremos Gang of Youths are one of those bands who show another side on the live circuit. Frontman David Le’aupepe contorts himself about the stage, giving Maximo Park’s Paul Smith a run for the money in showman terms. Rooted in philosophy, their music is both uplifting and infectious and I think they’ve won a few new fans today breezing through this energetic set.
Headlining the River Stage on Sunday, The Reytons steam through a set of belters, the boisterous audience loving every minute. The Doncaster four-piece has inevitably drawn comparisons with Arctic Monkeys and are so darned likeable with lyrics full of wit, what’s not to like? The rowdy atmosphere builds as the set goes on and by the time they showcase their single Antibiotics from their debut album, last year’s Kids Off The Estate, the wee hood of the River Stage is quivering with the antics. These guys could surely have been on King Tut’s Stage…next time for certain. Glasgow’s found another band to love and it’s great to hear that they’re heading to the Barrowlands in November, tickets selling out fast. Don’t miss them!
Wolf Alice take on the pre-headline slot and storm onto the stage, clearly delighted to be here with none of that skulking and sulking around we see so often from other acts. Opening with the monstrous Smile, where punchy meets a mesmerising sonic rush, lead singer Ellie Rowsell charms, the perfect host, telling us “this is one of our favourite places in the world. Let’s have a good time tonight”. She snarls her way through the glorious angst of You’re A Germ and the moody riff which laces next number, Formidable Cool is both those things. Their set flits between colossal rock and melodic indie, part of their massive appeal as favourites like Bros enchant the audience. Sadly I miss a fair chunk of the set to catch The Reytons but do manage to catch the juicy fuzz of Giant Peach. These guys would surely be a great headline act on one of the nights…
Sunday’s headliner and festival closer is the Lewis Capaldi who mixes charming croons with filthy banter. To be honest, Capaldi’s music’s not my cup of tea and I’d much prefer a stand up spot by the man himself… That said, there are many tear-drenched faces, his included, and there’s no denying his appeal. He seems quite proud of the fact he’s not released an album since 2019 because he’s “a lazy ****” but don’t feel too smug about that Lewis – Friday night headliner Paolo Nutini’s just got round to releasing his first new album since 2014, one seriously lazy er…git, so there’s no rush. No seriously, there’s NO rush!
As the sunburned masses head back to reality, well that’s if they can find any transport to take them there, those bucket hats have been a godsend. Now get back home and put some proper clothes on!
More on our chats with The Snuts, Maximo Park, Baby Strange and Crawlers coming soon.
TRNSMT is back at Glasgow Green 7 – 9 July 2023.
Read our thoughts on Saturday at TRNSMT ››
Words: Shirley Mack @musingsbymarie
Pictures: Calum Mackintosh @ayecandyphotography
The Reytons: Gary Mather @garymatherphotography