Glasvegas
There are plenty of arena-rock bands out there. But there aren’t many stadium-rock bands. U2? The Rolling Stones? Yes and yes. This year, it might be time to add Glasvegas to that short list.
Not to say these rugged Scots are on par with U2 or The Rolling Stones, because they’re not even close. But on Glasvegas’ self-titled debut, officially released Jan. 6, Glasvegas creates a humongous sound that would rather reach for the stars than the rafters.
Glasvegas (the name is a combination of Glasgow and Las Vegas) accomplishes this by glazing its music with reverb and distortion, sounding like its echoing out of a stadium with 75,000 fans howling along to frontman James Allan’s heartfelt songs about social workers and deadbeat dads.
Plus, doesn’t Allan (second from left in the photo) look just like the late Joe Strummer of The Clash?
Watch the video for Glasvegas’ “Geraldine,” or check out some songs on the band’s MySpace page.
How do you like Glasvegas?
All The Songs We Never Heard Before 
Good job Eric in bringing up this great new band. I know it’s early, but I think Glasvegas’ S/T debut could be one of the best of 2009 (yeah, it debuted overseas in 08 but I’m just talking domestic releases here). You’re right in that Allan does resemble Strummer, though he has Bono’s vocal range (not the chops). It’s interesting that you specifically mentioned Geraldine, I thought it was a catchy track with intriguing lyrics. My favorite tune was Go Square Go; if the last minute and a half or so of that song can’t get you fired up, I don’t know what can. I definitely see how you came up with U2 as a reference point – I’d toss in Sonic Youth, Echo & The Bunnymen and the Jesus & Mary Chain, too. Though the music is uplifting, the lyrics are some of the darkest stuff this side of Ian Curtis. Anyways, I’m glad to see a fellow Cedar Rapidian is digging these guys.
By: M Moss on January 28, 2009
at 8:48 am
I love the album. Yes, I think the frontman looks like Joe Strummer
By: cousinwalter on January 30, 2009
at 11:45 pm
[…] about this song is amazing! great guitar, great bass line, great melodies and harmonies; GREAT BAND from Glasgow, Scotland. By the third listen you will be singing the backing vocal harmonies “Hoooooooo […]
By: Glasvegas, Gringo Starr, and Black Mountain « Coffee and Adderall on January 31, 2009
at 10:33 am