The unrelenting sun returns to Sunday’s TRNSMT, but the music switches it up, bringing a distinctly more country vibe to the occasion.

Returning for their third innings, The Lathums kick things off as Alex Moore takes to the stage with a cowboy hat and a grin. Typically a high-energy set, the bright mid-afternoon sun gives everything a more relaxed, almost lounge-music atmosphere, although Alex still gives the crowd 10/10 for enthusiasm.

After previously singing with Paul Heaton, Rianne Downey returns to TRNSMT with a solo set as we go full alt-country on the King Tut’s stage. She is twee and endearing, and the country theme is going down well with the crowd today. “We are going to get really Scottish now,” she says as she kicks off with a cover of Mountain Thyme (Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go).

“Quirky indie pop” act Dictator are up on the BBC Introducing stage. Lead singer Michael starts the set leaning into the camera and giving the middle finger, before immediately apologising to the nice photographer on the other end. They are energetic, tight, and have attracted a good number of superfans — it feels like the future bodes well for Dictator.

Back to the King Tut’s stage, Nina Nesbitt resumes the more relaxed folky vibe. A singer-songwriter with a powerful, hypnotising voice, she introduced each song with its origin story — from women supporting each other in bathrooms to being introverted. It was an emotional and personal set.

Brooke Combe was next up with her return to TRNSMT after the successful release of Dancing at the Edge of the World. The crowd very much appreciated her injection of “Glasgow Green” into the lyrics of the eponymous song.

Next, we head to the main stage to catch Myles Smith. “You might not know me yet, but by the end of the set I hope you do,” said the beaming singer — an earnest underestimation of how popular he already was, with the crowd singing along to the whole set of pure, uplifting folk-pop.

Shed Seven closed out the Tut’s stage, marking one of the more surprising recent comebacks. They jumped between the old classics and singles from their various recently released number-one albums, and unfamiliar listeners would have had a hard time telling them apart. Rick Witter was on top form, and there was something special and intimate about the Britpop set.

As the sun began to set, Snow Patrol came to close out the main stage. Gary Lightbody spoke about the band’s time in Glasgow (after forming in Dundee), and playing TRNSMT felt like coming home. The set was nostalgia on crack. Gary didn’t even need to finish the first line of Chasing Cars before every single person in the crowd took over singing duties. And yet, as much as Chasing Cars stole the limelight, it felt like almost every song was one of those forgotten punch-to-the-gut tracks that transported you back 20 years.

Words: Dale Harvey

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