I think it was fair to say on Day 3 we were surviving and defiantly NOT THRIVING. With bruised shins purpling under the muggy Glasgweigian sun today we had a schedule jam packed trying to see as many performances as possible.

With each band leaving their own stamp (or stomp) on Glasgow Green, let’s dive into the captivating performances that defined this extraordinary day of music.

Kicking off proceedings was Glasgows own scene darlings, Lucia & the Best Boys, whose brooding blend of indie rock roused the early afternoon crowd. Lucia Fairfull‘s ethereal vocals, combined with the band’s atmospheric soundscapes, conjured a sense of moody synth pop that enveloped the audience. We loved their set opener and current single, “So Sweet I Could Die”

We then literally raced back to the Main Stage to catch, Pale Waves launching on stage with their beautiful shimmering pop melodies and daydream lyricism.

Heather Baron-Gracie’s powerful vocals soared above the infectious synth-driven arrangements, capturing hearts and minds with their anthemic hits. The crowd surrendered to the irresistible allure of tracks like “There’s a Honey” and “Television Romance,” creating an atmosphere brimming with pure joy.

The intensity escalated with the arrival of Dream Wife, a band known for their fierce stage presence and punk-infused anthems. Rakel Mjöll, Alice Go, and Bella Podpadec exuded an infectious energy that ignited the audience, encouraging a whirlwind of movement and liberation.

It’s no secret that we LOVE Dream Wife here at The Golden Bough and todays performance only served to solidify our glowing love for this powerhouse of Riot Grrl energy.

Embodying the spirit of rebellion in every bar serving sultry fashion siren looks and empowering messages, Dream Wife put on an unforgettable performance, empowering us all to embrace our individuality and challenge societal norms. There was too many songs in this set that we adored but a special shout out goes to their current single, “Don’t Date a Musician”.

Bob Vylan became our most adored set of the weekend. Unleashing an unapologetically confrontational set, provoking thought and sparking conversations with their politically charged punk rock. We can honestly admit we were not prepared for this riot or a set.

Their raw, uncompromising energy resonated with the crowd, highlighting the power of music as a tool for social commentary and activism. Bobbii Vylan’s impassioned delivery and incisive lyrics left no room for complacency, offering a visceral experience that demanded attention and introspection. All good songs deserve to be delivered with a cricket bat so notable mention has to go to, “Lynch Your Leaders”.

Promising upstarts from Glasgow, Uninvited took to the River Stage in front of an audience that was 70% made up of other artists from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

It’s good to see the home crowd turning up for the locals. Uninvited bring a fun sense of play to their scuzzy garage guitar rock. Despite some technical problems the set resounded well around the Forrest’s knoll much to the audiences delight. We loved, “Friends With Mascara”.

As the night sky unfolded, Royal Blood unleashed their explosive rock ‘n’ roll assault, instantly electrifying the crowd. Mike Kerr’s hair metal basslines and Ben Thatcher‘s thunderous drumming reverberated through the air, creating a seismic force that engulfed Glasgow Green. The duo’s relentless energy and electrifying presence transformed their performance into a triumphant celebration of rock’s power to captivate and unify. We loved, “Loose Change”

Finally, The 1975 took the stage, effortlessly blending art-pop sensibilities, infectious hooks, and socially conscious or contentious lyrics. Matt Healy‘s is a social hand grenade, love him or loathe him his erratic stage presence and the band’s dazzling visuals elevated their performance to a realm of pure spectacle. The audience surrendered to the euphoric waves of hits like “Love It If We Made It” and “Somebody Else,” embracing The 1975’s ability to both entertain and provoke seems to be what they do best.

Words: Angela Canavan

Photos: Angela Canavan