Manchester’s TTSSFU brought a visceral energy to the QMU stage, delivering a set that was both haunting and explosive. Fronted by the magnetic Tasmin Stephens, the band exuded an otherworldly confidence, with Stephens’ vocals casting a spell over the crowd. Her intensity was matched by the band’s shifting dynamics, as they moved effortlessly from atmospheric dreamscapes to thunderous climaxes that left the audience in awe.

Each member bringing something unique to the performance. The guitars veered between intricate melodies and chaotic bursts of noise, while the rhythm section provided a solid yet unpredictable foundation, keeping the audience on edge. TTSSFU’s ability to blend emotional vulnerability with unrelenting power created a set that felt like a cathartic release — raw, unforgettable, and impossible to ignore.

Mercury Prize winners, English Teacher, performed to an eclectic crowd at the iconic QMU in Glasgow. The stage was beautifully adorned with oversized daffodils that towered over the band, creating the perfect backdrop for their unique set. The indie but genre-bending four-piece opened with the popular ‘R&B’, an energising and great start to the show.

The set largely consisted of songs from This Could Be Texas, released earlier this year, alongside a few tracks from their debut EP, Polyawkward. The theatrical performance by front person Lily Fontaine drew the audience in, and the crowd was spellbound by the trance-like melodies, twinkling intermissions, and melancholic vocals. A highlight of the evening was ‘Nearly Daffodils’, during which the crowd showed off their dance moves. Lily jumped off the stage and crossed the barrier to share the moment with fans.

The audience was treated to a new song called ‘Billboards’, which featured an enticing buildup to an upbeat tempo change midway through. Combined with noodle-y guitar sounds, it proved popular with the crowd.

English Teacher ended with ‘Albert Road’, a song about their hometown, which brought a dramatic conclusion to the evening. The crowd, eager for more, filled the room with cheers as the band returned for an encore, performing a song about lockdown. Before starting, they mentioned that it was a special evening for them, as they had the support of their family in the audience.

This band is on the rise, and it’s clear they’ll have a fruitful journey ahead in the years to come.

Article: Reanne McArthur