King Tuts was packed out and bouncing for an indie-rock extravaganza featuring some of Scotland’s best up -and -comers.
The famous King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut – one of Scotland’s most iconic music venues – has played host to some of the most influential bands out there, from Oasis to Biffy Clyro, Manic Street Preachers, Paolo Nutini, and everything in between. As part of their ongoing commitment to support rising Scottish talent, King Tut’s regularly hosts ‘King Tut’s Presents’ – showcase nights dedicated to fresh talent. I headed along to one of these for the first time, having done very little research, just to see if I could stumble upon something new and exciting.
Grady Kinnell
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What a fun way to set the tone for the night ahead. Grady played an acoustic set full of both originals and covers, and the crowd absolutely loved it. The place was busy early doors, which is always a good sign. Grady is an indie singer-songwriter from Fife and also plays in a band called The Borderline, who are definitely one to keep an eye on.
His haunting version of Radiohead’s classic Creep had the crowd singing along, but when the opening chords to Oasis’ Don’t Look Back in Anger rang out, you could feel the energy lift. Heads turned, arms swayed, and everyone belted out a chorus that has united fans for decades. Grady ended his set on a high, leading a mass singalong to the Scottish indie anthem Canter. You could hardly hear him over the crowd – it was that loud. Honestly, it’s the busiest I’ve ever seen a venue for an opening act, and it was well deserved.
Panhead Sharps
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This Fife-based three-piece came out swinging and were buzzing to be there. They gave me Arctic Monkeys 505-era vibes – heavier rock-leaning indie with a darker twist. They brought a whole busload of fans from Dunfermline, and it was a proper family affair – I had the pleasure of chatting to frontman John’s very proud mum, who was dancing and singing along right at the front.
Chants of “Here we f**ing go!”* roared as John handed out their signature pink sunglasses to the crowd. I already wear glasses and looked ridiculous with them perched over the top – but of course I got involved! Panhead Sharps are 100% a live experience. Their energy and sound live far exceed what you get on record – and I mean that in the best way.
Jack Torrance
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A Glasgow-based indie-rock trio who’ve just released their latest single Reminisce. Despite not having a bass player, their clever use of dual guitars gives them a full, layered sound. They also use three different vocalists across their tracks – a detail that really stood out. Jack Torrance and his band expertly place three different vocals within their tracks which adds noticeable layers to their songs.
A drummer who sings is also impressive to watch but a drummer who sings and plays with the same power that the bands drummer does is hard not to notice, this grabbed my attenion from the opening number.
Front man Jack’s voice is quite distinctive and one I will likley remember next time I hear him shuffle on my playlist. The band covered The Killers classic All these things that I have done which of course had everyone changing away, this track probably has one of the most anthemic chants in a song of the 2000’s as the roof was raised, as we were all reminded that we have soul, but aren’t soldiers.
A drummer who sings is also impressive to watch but a drummer who sings and plays with the same power that the bands drummer does is hard not to notice, this grabbed my attenion from the opening number.
Front man Jack’s voice is quite distinctive and one I will likley remember next time I hear him shuffle on my playlist. The band covered The Killers classic All these things that I have done which of course had everyone changing away, this track probably has one of the most anthemic chants in a song of the 2000’s as the roof was raised, as we were all reminded that we have soul, but aren’t soldiers.
Tonto
Check them out here
The dynamic four-piece burst onto the famous King Tut’s stage to the groove of Green Onions by Booker T. & the M.G.’s – one of the most iconic instrumentals ever recorded on Stax Records. It was bold, soulful, and perfectly matched the energy they brought as the headline act of this sold-out night. The crowd was a riot (in the best way). There was so much love in that room – a proper reflection of the hard work and passion Tonto pour into their music.
Their debut album Hope, Faith and Carnage was actually the first album I ever reviewed for Bonnie Scotland Presents – and it’s been a staple on my playlist since February. Every listen reveals something new. They opened with Liverpool, and the crowd was instantly buzzing.
The set was packed with indie bangers, and their onstage chemistry was a joy to watch. You can tell how much it means to them to be up there with their pals, living the moment. Roars of “Let’s go f**ing Tonto!”* were probably heard down the street. Their live sound was an energetic, faithful replica of their record – and that says a lot about a band’s consistency and talent.
King Tut’s was rammed all night. A sold out show – a real team effort to make that happen and a milestone that should be celebrated by all bands on the bill. It was evident how much it meant to all the musicians on the stage and so it should have, a monumentous occasion. Bands stayed to watch other bands. Fans of one act stayed to cheer for the next. It’s the first gig I’ve been to in ages where the room didn’t empty between sets. Music fans from all over Scotland came together for a showcase of some of the country’s best up-and-coming indie rock talent – and that’s exactly what we got.
One of the taglines for Bonnie Scotland Presents is the belief that music has the power to inspire and unite us all. Something special happened in that room that night – and I know from chatting to others that they felt it too. It was musical magic. A moment of real unity. I truly hope the music scene keeps growing in this direction – full of love, support, and community between artists and fans alike.
