Dead Pony // QMU // 13.12.24

If there’s one thing Glasgow does well, it’s big, sweaty nights of chaotic energy wrapped in glorious guitar riffs. Tonight’s show is like a festive night out/homecoming for some of our home city’s best new talent as Dead Pony took to the QMU the stage with a ferocity that had the sold-out crowd bouncing off the walls.

First up was Soapbox, despite some early lineup changes, their current roster – Vocals – Tom Rowan Drums – Jenna Nimmo Guitar – Angus Husbands Bass – Aidan Bowskill– packs a punch that could knock out a lion . Their bass-heavy track “Yer Dah” was an early highlight, with frontperson Rowan’s unmistakably Glaswegian baritone cutting through the room like a razor-sharp wit in a pub argument.

Soapbox wear their influences on their sleeves, blending the raw power of The Specials with a dose of DMA’s chaos – it’s like a musical cocktail mixed by a mad bartender. Their politically-charged anthem “Fascist Bob” was a particular standout, a snarling, bear of a track that stomped through the set like a drunk uncle on Hogmanay. Soapbox are tipped for big things, so don’t miss them when they headline The Garage on April 25th.

Next up, Gallus reminded everyone why they’re one of Glasgow’s finest exports since Irn-Bru. Frontman Barry Dolan couldn’t seem to stay on the stage, instead spending most of his set moshing, wailing, and sweating it out in the crowd’s sweaty embrace. Their latest single “Depressed Beyond Tablets” is the musical equivalent of caffeine and chaos – a high-energy meal deal of ska-infused swagger and punk rock grit.

Gallus’s sound ranges from Sports Team to Wunderhorse with tracks like “Looking a Mess” and “Fireflies” proving they’ve got range as well as riffs. Make sure to catch their headline gig at the Oran Mor on April 18th, and prepare to dance, scream, and possibly lose a shoe.

By the time Dead Pony hit the stage, the crowd was absolutely feral – in the best way. Opening with “Ignore This,” they made it clear that months of touring hadn’t dulled their edge one bit. Lead singer Anna Sheilds beamed ear-to-ear as she confessed it had been a lifelong dream to play the QMU, let alone sell it out. The band’s energy was infectious, with tracks like “About Love” and “Rainbows” showcasing a versatility that ranged from angsty punk to dreamy alt-rock.

Dead Pony’s influences are easy to spot – there’s a bit of Paramore’s emotional punch, a splash of Wolf Alice’s grungy cool, and enough Glasgow grit to keep them utterly unique. The band played a tight set and all brought something special to the table, from thunderous drums to guitar riffs sharp enough to cut through the thick Glasgow air.

One of the night’s most memorable moments came when Sheild’s somehow convinced the entire audience to zealously perform the Macarena during “Bad Girlfriend.” It was a weird, wonderful, and uniquely Dead Pony moment.

The night snowballed towards its dramatic culmination that included; “Everything Burns” and “Cobra,” but the real magic happened during their cover of Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff.” Inviting members of both Soapbox and Gallus on stage, it was a chaotic, joyous mess of a performance that felt like the perfect summation of the night.

Closing with fan-favorite “Mana,” Dead Pony cemented their place as one of the most exciting live acts on the scene. If last night was anything to go by, their next gigs will sell out even faster – so grab a ticket and prepare to lose your voice.