Live Review |Prides| Liquid Rooms

pridesThere has been quite a buzz around Glasgow based Prides.

As they head out on their second headline tour, the trio has already sold out shows in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. With no album and a small repertoire, Stewart Brock (keyboard, vocals), Callum Wiseman (guitar, keys, vocals) and Lewis Gardiner (drums) have built their early success on their ability to write undeniably glorious pop tunes.

Edinburgh’s Liquid Rooms was the venue to host Prides and their burgeoning fan-base. People familiar with the gig venue will know it is a place close to the heart of the city’s music revellers, and when it is at full capacity the atmosphere is unbeatable.

The beauty of Liquid Rooms is its intimacy, and Prides are charismatic enough to really get the crowd involved, whether that is through dancing or teaching the lyrics to a new song. Their blend of electronics and upbeat pop make for an energetic set which is only strengthened by the unique dancing skills of Brock from behind his keyboard.

Apart from being perfectly endearing chaps, their anthemic ‘The Seeds You Sow’ really gets the crowd on their side as well as some hips swiveling. This is perfect sing-a-long fodder, and the fans are hungry for more. As previously mentioned, Prides to-date might only have a handful of known songs but what they do offer is unapologetic simple and catchy pop music.

The accompanying light show and visual imagery adds another layer to the performance. As an audience member, you were enveloped in a plume of dry ice from the smoke machine and a feeling of absolute euphoria.

Prides play a selection of new songs, including newly released ‘Higher Love’ showing off the band’s ability to write captivating lyrics the crowd can easily pick up and feel instantly engaged with. ‘Cold Blooded’ another example of a well-rounded synth driven tune with an explosive chorus to boot.

‘I Should Know You Better’ and ‘Out of the Blue’ are foot-stomping, festival ready numbers and encourage lots of hands-in-the-air action.

Prides have drawn comparison with a late 1980’s Deacon Blue perhaps with more of a Pet Shop Boys edge. It is not difficult to see why the boys encourage an infectious sense of fun and frivolity at their live shows.

Towards the end of the set, Prides treat the crowd to a rendition of their ‘Mixtape’. The ‘Mixtape’ is a combination of some of 2014’s biggest hits from Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift right the way up to Sam Smith . Brock is keen to point out that for anybody who hasn’t heard the ‘Mixtape’ previously might be left more than a little bemused. Fortunately their decision to play it live is a winner and prepares the audience for the anthem that is ‘Messiah’.

Singing ‘say you’ll be my Messiah’, the crowd’s hands are now fully splayed above their heads, as Prides preach from behind keyboards, guitars and drums against a backdrop of flashing lights.

As the Scottish based trio continue their tour across the UK, it can only be assumed that they will continue to charm the masses with their pop-tastic, lively sets.

For those curious about the ‘Mixtape’, see below for a flavour of Prides live:




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