Brenda – Live in The Glad Cafe (with R.Aggs)

I think I’ve probably been looking forward to this gig since I interviewed the band in The Bell Jar in February (link here) when we shot the breeze about the band coming together, their name, video shoots in LA and of course their forthcoming debut album.

I’ve seen the band live on several occasions since then, but The Glad Cafe, being the official release of their self titled debut album (reviewed here), was set to be something special. Which ultimately is exactly how it turned out, a gathering of like minded individuals in a fabulous, intimate venue ready to celebrate the music of one of Scotland’s hottest new bands. 

The celebrations got underway with the wonderful Ray Aggs starting the party with a perfectly formed set, sequencer soundtracking their glorious vocal bolstered by singing guitar riffing and violin, the room looking on in respectful awe. Perhaps too respectful as they quipped “it’s so quiet” while programming the sequencer between songs. I’ve no idea what was going on behind me but there were certainly several people bustin’ moves at the front including a gold lame bedecked Litty (from headliners. Brenda), I’m sure it must have been a relief to get to the end of the night wearing that, the venue was like a sweat box. Ray challenged us at the end of their set, gradually increasing the tempo ‘til it was impossible to keep up with the beat. What a way to start the night.

Time for the headliners, and they took to the stage in their usual unassuming style to the chant of “Brenda, Brenda, Brenda…”. One of the band’s endearing qualities (apart from the obvious; their wondrous three part harmonies and hypnotic tunes) is their humble, at times almost apologetic demeanour. For a band that has released an album which for me is up there with the best of 2023, they have no pretence, they never appear boastful or flaunt what they have achieved. Don’t get me wrong though, they certainly aren’t backward about coming forward, their apologies before they play certain songs are laced with self effacing humour, and some of the faces pulled (during and after songs) indicated a mix of surprise and relief they got through. Litty also expressed her disappointment in the luminous make up she had on being pretty much invisible, “that cost me 50p”, she joked. Flore and Apsi getting in on the act too, Apsi messing with the crowd over the double meaning of their non album track Cycle Path, and Flore on her usual form, “Apsi wrote me a setlist, but I lost it so I have no idea what’s going on” and filling between songs, or on occasion – over-filling, “you were supposed to talk while I got my bass on” (Litty) as Flore got carried away with her banter.

What about the songs then? Flipping things around entirely, their twelve song set kicked off with the dream-like harmonies of album closer, Sleepwalking followed by their ode to odious men everywhere in Pigs. Despite the humour and unassuming behaviour of all three band members, their songs do have some serious messages and hard hitting lyrics. That doesn’t stop the party atmosphere though, which emanated throughout the room, the gathered throng both appreciating the songs and enjoying themselves as much as the band on stage clearly were. The whole album got an airing, including the three highly addictive singles, latest release High Horse, the song with the LA shot video Microscopic Babe and first single from the album Cease and Desist, to which Litty added “someone in London likes this” with a degree of surprise. We were also regaled with the tale of their appearance on Radio Scotland having been awarded a single of the week, ensuring Litty listened to the show every day to hear it played.

One of the highlights of the set for me came in the form of what is also one of my favourite songs of the year so far, the cinematic sweep of the epic Sure As, cited as one of Flore’s relationship songs. One of the bands slower songs, it is majestic in its soaring, affecting melodies. We were also treated to a brand new exclusive song in the shape of So Long/Never Ending Story (random note – the film of the same name  is on the telly right now as I write these words) which indicates a bright ongoing future for the trio.

The “final” two songs of the set were non album tracks in Cycle Path (paraphrasing Apsi – not at all about a psychopath but all about paths you ride your bike on… you decide) and the somewhat apt with the recent release of Oppenheimer, Radiation and its earworm of a chant along chorus. Of course these weren’t the final songs!  That honour was saved for the debut albums secret track. So secret it doesn’t actually appear on the album. Cathy Big Arse, caused a light hearted debate on why it didn’t make it onto the final release. That was after Flore’s dog Pat (famous in their own right with their “theme” song played along the road in The Rum Shack the previous week by Flore’s other band Water Machine) became the subject of much attention when the band retook the stage for the encore. Let’s just say, I’m sure I wasn’t alone in having had a blast. Brenda has an innate ability to make everyone feel relaxed and at ease, creating such a convivial aura, it is impossible not to get drawn into their world and consumed by the joyous good vibes they create with their remarkable harmonies and combined addictive personalities.

#weareallbrenda

Catch both acts over the next couple of weeks in George Square as it hosts several free gigs as part of the celebrations as the World Cycling Championships hit Glasgow.

8th August – Sacred Paws (16.35. – 17.15)

9th August – Brenda (16.35. – 17.05)

If you’ve not already done so, buy the debut album now – LNFG