I have fellow Glasgow photographer Rosie Sco’s amazing imagery to thank for introducing me to Divorce’s music last year—and for leading me to their Glasgow show on the Drive to Goldenhammer tour, promoting the release of their debut album of the same name.

The album takes me back to the moment I decided to move to Scotland—to find my own Goldenhammer. My initial plan was to pack a small backpack, grab my camera and a few books, and drive through the northern part of the United Kingdom (still post-Brexit, of course). But instead, I ended up taking a boring flight with all the usual frustrating procedures. Still, I think I’ve found my ideal town—and here I am.

But let’s move on…

Divorce played to a sold-out crowd at Stereo on the 5th of April 2025, with support from Dug, a lively duo who had us all dancing to their upbeat Irish folk tunes.

The four-piece headline band from Nottingham were greeted with joy as they took the stage, opening with two tracks from their album: the melancholic Fever Pitch and the funky All My Freaks.

What struck me most—beyond their incredible sound and poignant lyrics—was the way the voices of lead singers Felix Mackenzie-Barrow and Tiger Cohen-Towell blend so beautifully throughout their set. A perfect example is Gears, released in 2024, which captures the emotional tug-of-war many of us face trying to be there for everyone we care about, while daily responsibilities pull us in other directions. Another highlight is Lord, from their debut album, which powerfully explores identity and sexual desire.

Their set continued with a mix of Drive to Goldenhammer tracks and favourites from their EP Heady Metal, including Sex and the Millennium Bridge and one of my personal favourites, Scratch Your Metal.

After playing their latest hit, Hangman, the band briefly disappeared behind a tiny curtain, only to be called back for an encore. They closed the show with the stunning and satirical ballad Checking Out.

This was a deeply emotional and powerful gig, and I feel truly lucky to be discovering so many rising artists lately.

Article: Mario Cornelli