I first came across LA LOM while scrolling on Instagram. They stood out from the usual digital noise; the nostalgic sound and warm vintage aesthetic of their videos felt like I had discovered snippets from a lost Technicolor film. When I saw they were making their Glasgow debut at The Art School, I knew I had to be there.

So, on Wednesday 18th February 2026, the LA-based trio arrived for the final show of their “Euro Winter Tour” to deliver their signature blend of Mexican boleros and Peruvian chicha.

The set kicked off with the upbeat “Café Tropical”, instantly setting the tone for the night. From there, they slid straight into the hypnotic rhythms of “Lucia”, and then on to the surfy twang of “Angels Point”. Three tunes in and the Glasgow crowd were fully on board as the band moved through more of their Latin-inspired back catalogue, with “Alvarado”, “Alacrán” and “Figueroa” among the favourites.

It’s worth mentioning that there has been a notable surge in the popularity of instrumental bands lately, with groups like Khruangbin and Glass Beams carving out a space for music that doesn’t need words to connect with people. LA LOM have quickly proven they belong in the same bracket, offering that same transportive quality that makes this instrumental revival feel so fresh to modern audiences.

Musically, the night was a total masterclass. Zac Sokolow’s guitar work is top-tier, navigating the fretboard with ease and effortlessly moving between surf-rock riffs and cumbia rhythms. He’s backed up by Jake Faulkner on bass and Nicholas Baker on drums and percussion, who provide a steady yet energetic rhythm section that keeps the whole thing together.

The night reached its peak when the support act, Sam Shackleton, stepped back on to the stage to join the trio for a two-song cameo.

Now a fusion of Scottish folk and Latin grooves, the four musicians performed the traditional folk song “Cuckoo”. However, it was their second song — a rendition of American folk legend Woody Guthrie’s “All You Fascists (Bound to Lose)” — where the room’s energy noticeably shifted.

The defiant lyrics, sung over LA LOM’s Latin rhythms, made Guthrie’s song feel more relevant than ever in these turbulent times. There was a palpable sense of solidarity as the song ended to raucous applause — proof that music is a universal language that can bridge cultures and transcend borders.

If you ever get the chance to see them, don’t miss out; whether you’re a fan of Latin-inspired music or surf guitar tones, their live show is something you need to experience to truly understand the hype.

Article: Barry Carson