Mercury Prize winners English Teacher brought their distinctive blend of sharp lyricism and atmospheric indie rock to Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland Ballroom, delivering a performance that felt both intimate and electric. Playing to a mixed-age crowd that filled the venue with warmth and anticipation, the band quickly established a sense of connection that grew stronger as the night went on.

One of the most memorable moments came when they dedicated “Nearly Daffodils” to the Scottish national football team. The gesture prompted a massive cheer from the still-elated crowd, followed by enthusiastic clapping and whistles as they matched the band’s energy beat for beat.

The main set closed with a stunning rendition of “Albert Road” sung with striking control and emotion, it built towards a spine-tingling crescendo from vocalist Lily Fontaine that held the audience captive. Once the band left the stage, the room erupted into a rhythmic chant of “one more song”, growing louder and faster until the band had little choice but to return.

Their encore began with a surprise: a stellar cover of Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather.” They made the song their own, with an intense performance that filled the room with emotion. Finally, they closed the night with “A55,” a high-energy finale that left the Barrowlands buzzing. It was the perfect ending to a spellbinding gig; one that showcased English Teacher’s musicianship, charisma, and ever-growing command of a live audience.

Article: Kim Sabatelli