The Royston Club // Barrowland // 25 October 2025

On the night of 25 October 2025, Barrowland hosted three bands: support from Arkayla and Feet, followed by headliners The Royston Club. What unfolded was a night that leaned into emotion, energy, and connection.

From the start, the crowd filled the room with excitement — not just for the headliner, but from the moment the first band took the stage. Arkayla opened with confidence, their set full of punchy indie rock and a strong stage presence. They carried themselves like a band who knew how to warm up a room, and by the time they left the stage, the crowd was already leaning forward, ready for more.

Feet followed with great energy and rhythm. Their set struck a balance between tight musicianship and just the right amount of chaos. Propulsive grooves, sharp vocals, and a clear chemistry between band members made them stand out. By the end, they had won over a fair share of the crowd — and for me, they were the highlight of the night. Their final track left the room buzzing and perfectly set up for the main act.

When The Royston Club walked on stage, they wasted no time, launching straight into Patch Where Nothing Grows and Glued to the Bed from their newly released album Songs for the Spine — also the name of their current tour. Behind them stood a giant silhouette of a bull, a striking symbol that framed the performance with boldness and intent.

Frontman Tom Faithfull (vocals and rhythm guitar) balanced emotional vulnerability with rock urgency. His voice held the room’s attention throughout, while Ben Matthias (lead guitar), Dave Tute (bass), and Sam Jones (drums) delivered playing that was both tight and expressive. Their chemistry was clear — particularly on Spinning, where the live version carried extra emotional weight before lifting into full-band power.

The set mixed new material with early favourites, keeping the energy high while allowing moments of reflection. They closed with Cariad, a vulnerable track from Songs for the Spine, which created a rare stillness in a room otherwise charged with energy.

It was a night that confirmed The Royston Club’s growing success. With Feet and Arkayla setting the stage perfectly, this was a show that balanced intimacy and urgency — a night of jump-along rock and collective connection that left Barrowland glowing.

Article: Marco Cornelli