Young Fathers, O2 Academy, Glasgow

It seems appropriate that Young Fathers play Glasgow on a cold, wet November night. Notably, it’s also St Andrew’s Day - but the collective turn up the heat all the way up to 11. At this sold out show at the O2 Academy, literally everyone - even those in the seating and balcony areas - are upstanding as soon as they make their appearance on stage and remain so throughout.

The three men at the forefront - Alloysious Massaquoi, Kayus Bankole and Graham ‘G’ Hastings - are incredible performers. Beginning on ‘Get Started,’ the rest of the set flows seamlessly; the songs blended together beautifully. They rotate around the stage, ensuring each man gets their moment to shine.

There’s also a drummer and pianist to add the orchestral element heard on their records. Between the fiery passion that the trio emit, there are softer points; ‘Dare Me’ followed by ‘Rain or Shine’. ‘GET UP,’ and ‘Queen Is Dead’ pack the punch that are a reminder of why this band are so widely loved. The whole performance is a masterpiece.

G is quoted previously, about their live performance that “it’s making it so we can have the ability to be spontaneous and in the moment every night.” With the current chaos that the world around us in the world in the moment - seeing Young Fathers feels like an escapism of safety. Shows, and performers like this, can change the world.