The faded chic and grandeur of Cottiers in Glasgow’s West End is one hell of a space in which to celebrate the latest offering from Glasgow indie pop stalwarts Wojtek the Bear. With a guitar core entwined with violin and brass, they meet to create beautiful music that ebbs and flows in a hypnotic, almost transfixing groove. Sardonic delivery — modern and perfectly tragic — double entendre, almost tongue-in-cheek titles and equally thought-provoking lyrics. Tonight sees the band at their most relaxed and chatty. Maybe it’s down to the venue, maybe it’s down to experience, but they are very much at ease and that reflects in the beautiful songs that are delivered with such clarity and assurance that it’s hard to believe that they really don’t make that many outings into the wild.

Tam leads from the front with wit, warmth and a disarming humility that’s every bit as lovable as the songs themselves. Chuck Norris (no, not that one) is really quite spellbinding as he looks up and twirls his body and guitar to the music as the rest of the band effortlessly fill the gaps.

For a band that has been around for some 10 years, it really is quite surprising how under the radar they fly. The songs, if you don’t know them, carry on a strong tradition of Glasgow indie pop that can be traced back to the 80s. It’s a DNA that you would probably instantly recognise.

Wojtek the Bear have always done it their way, on their own terms, and it is really of no surprise that their fourth album, I Don’t Think You Want to Hear This, produced by Bill Ryder-Jones and engineered by local supremo Stuart Macleod of Beetroot Studios, is a statement record. The title alone probably gives a very good indication of the band’s attention to detail and care put into every aspect of their being. The last album, Holding Hands With the NME, was produced and engineered by Stephen Street — yes, that one!

Tonight’s set is predictably new-album heavy — this is a launch after all — but there’s still room for old favourites, with ‘Ferme la Bouche‘ and ‘Second Place on Purpose‘ getting the love they deserve.

Wojtek the Bear really are one of the most enduring and, if you didn’t know, surprisingly hidden gems of the Last Night From Glasgow stable. Like diamonds in the rough, they are there in plain sight, waiting for you to discover them and their music.

Do yourself a favour — go listen. You will not be disappointed.

Shine on!

Words: Nick Tamer — Images: Chris Hogge