Start From Scratch & Cupid Stunts; Live At Lucky Strike
If you’re invested in the local music scene of Glasgow, you would’ve heard of OFF THE GRID, a month-long programme of shows scattered across the city's grassroots venues to offer space for talent to shine. It’s often harder for queer and female talent to break in, but on Saturday night in the cosy basement of Lucky Strike, we were treated to two acts that are worth watching: alt-rock icons START FROM SCRATCH and indie-punk quartet CUPID STUNTS.
Photo by @darkbloomvisuals.live
Right from the word go, FENNELLA, vocalist and powerhouse frontwoman of START FROM SCRATCH, brought nothing but unrelenting energy. She donned a Florence Welch-esque pink flowing gown draped over her and glittering makeup that sparkled in the light; this pop-star-like presence directly contrasted with the style of music in a way that fit perfectly. The set featured an eclectic mix of originals and unlikely covers, all performed with contagious energy that got even an early-evening crowd joyously dancing. Midset, FENNELLA looked out at the bemused room and asked, “Do we have any Taylor Swift fans?” This was followed by one excited onlooker cheering at the front. She joked, “Well, I’m sorry,” before diving headfirst into a rock-tinged cover of You Belong With Me. The room was also delighted to hear an unreleased track, which was closely followed by a passionate performance of their new single, WINNING. It even had members of the crowd already feverishly singing along. Throughout the set, the band's explosive and captivating energy was maintained, and as they left the stage with well-earned grins, it was clear they had created an army of new fans.
Photo by @Jennyfer_debon
CUPID STUNTS were next, instantly reigniting the energy after the lull between acts. Their set consisted of the kind of high-intensity tracks the band has become known for in the local scene. Frontman LEWIS took a hilariously different approach to crowd engagement, deciding that the bar at the back was a much nicer place to play and beelining for it, much to the amusement of the flustered bartender. Guitarist SJ provided powerful, shouty vocalisations throughout, with LEWIS regularly bouncing off her energy through quippy back-and-forths. “Do you hate your job?!” they screamed, which was met with arguably the loudest applause of the night, before diving into their anti-capitalist anthem Jobsworth. It was a high-intensity and contagiously fun 45 minutes; their impactful messaging and entertaining chemistry between band members cement their spot as one to see.
These two acts on the bill made one thing clear: women and queer people in the scene were not only here, but they’re thriving. In times like these, it's so important to support not only grassroots venues but also upcoming talent, and if this evening was anything to go by, START FROM SCRATCH and CUPID STUNTS are excellent places to start.
Keep up with Start From Scratch
Instagram: @start.from.scratch.band
www.startfromscratchmusic.com
Keep up with Cupid Stunts
Instagram: @cupidstuntsmusic
Review written by Chloe Sodeau
Chloe is a lifelong alternative music lover and journalist based in Glasgow, Scotland. She is passionate about supporting grassroots music wherever she can, especially women and enbies in metal and alt genres When she's not starting moshpits, you can find her training in circus arts or thrifting for her next festival fit.
Instagram: @gigs.withchlo