The shoegaze quartet from Hull, bdrmm, delivered an unforgettable performance at Classic Grand in Glasgow as part of their UK/EU tour for the release of their third album, Microtonic. The venue was filled with a diverse mix of fans, creating a relaxed yet buzzing atmosphere throughout the night.

The band kicked off the show with two new tracks, “Microtonic” and “Clarkycat”, setting the tone for the night. Their sound was immediately striking, blending dreamy, twinkling guitar with deep, pulsating drums. They followed up with the atmospheric “Push/Pull” from their 2020 album Bedroom, proving their consistency in creating immersive, emotive soundscapes. One of the highlights was “Is That What You Wanted to Hear?”, a melodic new track that was clearly a fan favourite, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.

The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with all members visibly enjoying themselves and smiling throughout the set. There was a clear sense of anticipation in the air, as it had been a year since their last tour, and they seemed eager to be back on stage. A particularly memorable moment came when they played I Don’t Know’s “We Fall Apart” for the first time on this tour.

The energy shifted with “It’s Just a Bit of Blood”, which brought a faster, more upbeat vibe with a heavier start against ethereal vocals. The crowd responded enthusiastically, fully engaging with the band’s dynamic performance.

The set’s dreamlike quality was further heightened during “Snares”, a track featuring techno beats, synths, and spoken word vocals that created a trance-like atmosphere. This dynamic expertly contrasted with the euphoric sung vocals in the chorus, creating a moment of pure bliss.

For the encore, bdrmm played the fan-favourite “Happy”, which seamlessly merged into a softer guitar outro before returning to a dramatic, gazy instrumental in “Unhappy”. The crowd’s response was electric, with plenty of cheering and clapping.

The night ended on a powerful note with “The Noose”, an emotionally charged, instrument-heavy track with uplifting electronic techno sounds and a deep bass beat. It was a perfect, euphoric conclusion to a performance that left the audience craving more. Overall, bdrmm’s show was a captivating blend of shoegaze, electronic elements, and emotional depth.

Article: Reanne McArthur