PUMAROSA // KING TUT'S, GLASGOW
'Pumarosa' continue their tour at King Tut's, Glasgow, on the 2nd of December, 2017.
PUMAROSA PERFORMING AT GLASGOW'S KING TUTS - 02.12.2017
PHOTO BY: CONNOR DURIE PHOTOGRAPHY
★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
The five-piece band hailing from London, took to the stage at King Tut’s in Glasgow on Monday night. Having never been to King Tut’s before, I was unsure what to expect as I made my way up the stairs, which were covered in big band name’s and the years they had graced there.
The night of music was started with the support act, going by the name of “Vista”. Vista was armed with a laptop, what appeared to be a drumstick, and a vast library of dance moves that were a captivating sight. His confidence on stage was admirable, he knew exactly what he wanted to do and what message he wanted to get across. Some songs featured himself on the guitar, others simply his voice and the pre-recorded song playing through his laptop.
With almost humorous lyrics at times, paired with more serious lyrics in other songs, Vista was most definitely not the kind of support act I was expecting to see, but nor was it disappointment in anyway, considering the atmosphere that was left as he departed the stage, that atmosphere being a cheerful one.
Following a short break, the lights finally dimmed, and an intro started to blare from the speakers at King Tut’s. The crowd was a vast mix of people, which I found interesting. After speaking to two gentlemen before the gig, I was made aware that Pumarosa had been featured on the Jools Holland show, and that this had been the reason for their purchase of the gig tickets, travelling from Edinburgh to be there on the night. Perhaps this may have been a contributing reason as to the broad demographic.
After a couple of minutes, the London five-piece graced the stage to a roar of applause and cheers. Taking to their instruments, the intro morphed into “Dragonfly”, a single released earlier this year.
VISTAS PERFORMING AT GLASGOW'S KING TUTS - 02.12.2017
PICTURE BY: CONNOR DURIE PHOTOGRAPHY
With a combination of keys, drums, bass, guitar and vocals, this band had a very unique sound that I had not heard before. Similarities could be drawn from artists such as Patti Smith or PJ Harvey, but this band were very set and comfortable in the sound they had produced.
As the band slowly made their way through their set, it became very apparent that the whole band was a tightly run and oiled ship, as changeovers of songs were very minimal, with the lead guitarist often ditching his Fender Mustang, only to pick up a tambourine in fitting with the song that was being played.
Frontwoman Isabel’s stage presence was of a very high standard, not shying away from speaking to the audience in-between most, if not all songs. She altered between playing her guitar, and leaving it aside as she delved into her element, dancing around the stage, truly expressing her artistical vision.
An addition of Saxophone from the keys’ player was something both unexpected and welcomed. This band clearly have numerous weapons at their disposal, and they know exactly where to use them.
As Pumarosa finished their final song of the night, the band walked off with the accompaniment of screams and jeers from the crowd, clearly campaigning for one last song. The request was matched, as the band came back on stage to play one final song, which was a cover. Isabel thanked the crowd and led the band off stage for the final time.
PUMAROSA PERFORMING AT GLASGOW'S KING TUTS - 02.12.2017
PHOTO BY: CONNOR DURIE PHOTOGRAPHY