Concert: Pale Blue Eyes
Venue: Glasgow, Flying Duck
Dates: 05 April 2025
Genetic research suggests that the mutation that caused the phenomenon of pale blue eyes, originated in Northern Europe. It is, therefore, highly appropriate that the U.K. has produced an indie band of the same name.
Not that they are just any upcoming combo of course. This writer has been charting the progress of Pale Blue Eyes for four years now and with a new (their third) album entitled New Place out now, they have been hitting the towns and cities in across the country promoting the record. Saturday, past, was a perhaps a bit unfortunate for Matt, Lucy and Aubrey, as their only Scottish date happened to coincide with local heroes, Primal Scream playing at the nearby O2 Academy. Glasgow may possibly be the lowest attended show on the tour for that very reason. However, this band could be huge, and here’s why…..
Blending the incessant motorik tempo of Krautrock acts such as Neu! and Can with melodic synth pop and echoes of early New Order, the three-piece, who originate from Totnes in Devon, but are now based in Sheffield, create joyous musical landscapes which the listener can get lost in. Change is a dominant theme in the new album’s lyrical content as, sadly, a family tragedy was the catalyst for the move to South Yorkshire last year.
The group believe they are blessed to have made it this far and following an arduous European tour with Slowdive during 2024, they’ve honed their sound to produce the perfect blend of guitar pop, relentless rhythm and Matt’s tenor voice, which in itself is an impressive instrument. The set rightly focused on the new album but older songs such as TV Flicker and Chelsea also featured.
Those who preferred to get their ‘Rocks Off’ downtown missed out on a truly special night as Pale Blue Eyes will probably not play in a venue as intimate as this one again.
If you get the chance to catch Pale Blue Eyes on this tour or at any of the forthcoming summer festivals, please do. You will not be disappointed. For more on the band, head to their website here.
Grant McKenzie
@GrantMcKenzie17
