By this point, seeing bdrmm had become something of a tradition.
This was my fifth time seeing them live and Emma’s fourth, which probably tells you everything you need to know about how highly we rate them. Some bands impress you once and then gradually fade into the background. Others somehow manage to get better every time you see them. For me, bdrmm firmly belong in the second category.
Our journey with the band began when they supported Ride. We were both immediately impressed by their blend of melody, atmosphere and noise. After that came a support slot with Mogwai, where they somehow managed to hold their own in front of an audience gathered to witness one of Scotland’s most revered bands.
Since then, we’ve watched them make the transition from support act to headline attraction.
This concert marked the third time I’d seen them headline their own show, and there was a real sense of confidence about the performance. Watching a band grow from an exciting discovery into an established live act is one of the great pleasures of following music closely.
Before the main event, we were treated to a set from Glasgow band Kilgour.
Support acts often have the unenviable task of performing to an audience eager for the headliner, but Kilgour more than justified their place on the bill. Their sound complemented the evening perfectly and provided an excellent introduction to what was to come. Scotland continues to produce a remarkable number of interesting bands, and Kilgour certainly deserve to be counted among them.
As for bdrmm, they once again delivered exactly what we’ve come to expect.
Normally, our approach to a bdrmm gig involves standing as close to the stage as possible and allowing our ears to suffer the consequences later. Previous experiences had taught us that while this can be exhilarating, it isn’t always the wisest long-term strategy.
This time we decided to be sensible.
Rather than squeezing down the front, we watched from the side of the venue. It provided a different perspective on the performance and, perhaps more importantly, reduced the likelihood of requiring hearing aids by the end of the evening.
At least that was the theory.
What struck me most was how immersive the band’s music remains regardless of where you’re standing. Their songs have a wonderful ability to drift between delicate melodies and overwhelming walls of sound, creating an atmosphere that pulls the audience into its own world.
Few bands currently operating in this space do it better.
Emma and I have now seen them enough times to know what we’re getting, yet they still manage to surprise us. That’s one of the reasons I continue to describe them as one of the most exciting bands around. They aren’t standing still. Each performance feels like another step forward.
Looking back, this concert felt like another chapter in an ongoing story rather than a standalone event. From Ride to Mogwai and now multiple headline tours, we’ve been fortunate enough to watch bdrmm’s rise from close quarters.
Long may it continue.
The footage and mobile clips below capture some of the evening. Whether you’re discovering them for the first time or have already joined the growing number of people singing their praises, I think you’ll understand why this was my fifth visit and why it almost certainly won’t be my last.
The Photos
Cheers!
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