In the dimly lit confines of Glasgow’s legendary King Tut’s, Edinburgh’s song writing duo No Windows offer a super twee and cutesy opening set this evening with lots of goofy between song jibes towards own another.

Their music is a delicate blend of low-Fi garage definitely for fans of tonight’s headliners Just Mustard.

Although they may still be in their teenage years their music is beyond their years. We enjoyed trucks “Shout”and “Eggshells” they will be back Headlining King Tut’s themselves towards the end of January so mark up your diary appropriately.

Next up this evening and becoming our fast favourites are Glasgow’s very own Humour. A band set for bigger things their music is witty, political and thunderously loud. So loud Infact I can feel my eyeballs shaking around my cranium. We absolutely adore the irreverent shrieking masterpiece that is ‘Halfwit’ and the emo caterwauling of ‘Yeah, Mud!”.

Just Mustard hail from Dundalk in Ireland and our romance with this band begun in lockdown when the closest thing to going to a gig was watching live sets on You Tube (large sigh).

We stumbled across their live set at STC studios and were instantly hooked. The brand of heavy shoegaze, wall of sound sonic landscape, overlayed with the angelic disposition of vocalist Katie Bell makes for a beautiful but intense listening experience.

I have to admit, I was told they may have their first album 2018’s ‘Wednesday’ on sale at this show but alas it was not meant to be. I’ve been trying to find it for years. But the band boldly seem to be on tour without a single item of merch.

Shrouded in blue light the band amble on stage to rapturous applause and unleash a undulating tapestry that enraptured the audience, weaving through their set with a compelling blend of intensity and ethereality.

The evening kicked off with “Seven,” an entrancing opener that set the tone for the night, immediately immersing the crowd in the band’s atmospheric prowess.

David Noonan and Mete Kalyon’s layered guitars sing and soar beautifully in chaotic patterns that somehow compliment each other while the driving foundation of unrelenting bass of Rob Clarke, underpins each verse.

As the haunting echoes of “Seven” lingered, seamlessly transitioning into “Curtains,” the audience found themselves enveloped in the swirling melodies and lyrics.

Katie Bell is an enigmatic, fixed presence on stage, staunch yet serene at the same time she portrays the whispering intensity of Dot Allison whilst all around her the reverberation of noise seems to tremble off of the walls of a packed out King Tuts.

Just Mustard’s ability to navigate between moments of haunting delicacy and explosive crescendos became evident, creating an emotional ebb and flow that resonated through the venue.

The transition to “Early” showcased the band’s versatility, with shimmering guitars and the delicate vocals of Katie Ball casting a hypnotic spell. The interplay between the instruments, notably the intertwining of guitarists David Noonan and Mete Kalyon, demonstrated a nuanced understanding of their craft, adding layers of complexity to their sound.

“Deaf” emerged as a sonic juggernaut, with thunderous drumming courtesy of Shane Maguire driving the song’s relentless momentum. The intensity was palpable, each beat resonating through the venue’s walls, creating an immersive experience that left an indelible mark on the audience. It was “Deaf” that made us fall in love with Just Mustard and finally getting to hear it live was absolutely stunning.

As the set progressed, the band delved into the dreamy textures of “Frank,” a track that showcased the otherworldly depth of Just Mustard’s palette. The juxtaposition of serene vocals against a backdrop of intricate instrumentals created a sense beauty, captivating the audience in a contemplative trance.

“Pigs” served as a dynamic pivot, injecting a dose of raw energy into the performance. The crowd responded with enthusiastic fervor, mirroring the band’s infectious onstage energy. The convergence of powerful vocals and pulsating rhythms underscored the band’s command of the stage, drawing the audience deeper into their cataclysmic journey.

“October” brought a moody atmosphere, with brooding basslines and evocative lyrics. Just Mustard’s ability to evoke a range of emotions was on full display, as the audience navigated the landscape shaped by the band’s meticulous craftsmanship.

The haunting strains of “Still” provided a moment of reflection, a respite that showcased the band’s capacity for subtlety. Katie Ball’s vocals soared, delivering a performance that resonated with both vulnerability and strength, leaving the audience in hushed tones.

Closing the set with “Seed,” Just Mustard unleashed a swirling crescendo, bringing the evening to a climactic end. The convergence of all the elements that define their sound — the intricate guitar work, pulsating rhythms, and evocative vocals — reached a zenith, leaving the crowd stumbling out into the cold November evening, ears ringing and hearts full.

The Irish quintet’s ability to seamlessly navigate between the delicate and the ferocious marks them as a formidable force in the contemporary music landscape, and their performance at King Tut’s solidified their place as purveyors of scuzzy guitar driven enchantment.

Words & Pictures Angela Canavan (@zombiefang_ )