Live Review: Eevah @ The Garage, Glasgow

Photo Credit: Melissa Clark

Words: Olivia Macrae

Mesmerizing alternative pop band EEVAH took the stage at The Attic at Glasgow Garage on 22^nd March. The alt-indie pop band played a selection of ballads with carefully crafted melodies and emotional songwriting to the Glasgow crowd, with rising local artist Sad Girl opening up the night.

Only their 2^nd ever headline tour to date, EEVAH brought an entrancing set to Glasgow with beautiful storytelling, gripping instrumentals, and active crowd engagement. The alt-indie band is comprised of Nicole Hope Smith as lead vocalist and Richard McNamara, guitarist of the 90s West Yorkshire rock band Embrace. The duo was also accompanied by drummer Fay Clayton, completing the band on tour as a three-piece.

The alt-indie trio entered the stage at 8.40 pm, radiating effortless magnetism and energy that instantly captivated the crowd. One of the first tracks on the setlist was their debut Spotify single ‘Can’t Breathe’, a track that blends genres of alt-indie and dream pop and showcased the impressive vocal range of Nicole as well as striking drums from Fay Clayton. Lead vocalist Nicole chatted with the crowd, expressing her excitement for the release of their upcoming EP ‘I Didn’t See It Coming’ set to be released on 22^nd May. The feel from the crowd was very supportive, with several being loyal fans having seen them live before.

The set continued with their most recently released single ‘Lullaby’, a catchy alternative track that illustrates the internal battles that come with night terrors and feelings of lost control. The 5^th track of the set was their 2020 single ‘Apology’, a track that perfectly encapsulates feelings of stubbornness and the reluctance to admit to any wrongdoings. The lyricism details “You want a sorry from me? I’ve no apology / We shouldn’t try to pretend that you haven’t ruined it all”, illustrating the all-too-familiar feeling of being in denial that you’re wrong and shifting the blame away from yourself.

‘Notice You’ was also a notable highlight of the set, with Nicole claiming it’s her personal favourite to perform live. This track offered beautiful harmonising vocals between Nicole and guitarist Richard McNamara, with a gripping build-up of electrifying guitars and punchy drums. Unreleased track ‘The Girl In My Head’ brought strong guitar instrumentals and piercing drums that drove the rhythm – a track definitely to be experienced live.

Toward the end of the set EEVAH engaged with fans in the audience during ‘I Wanna Be Yours‘, with a competition for the loudest singer in the crowd to win a green rose from her mic stand. This got the crowd buzzing and ready for the penultimate track ‘Promises’ that continued channelling high energy through gripping guitars and immersive vocals.

The final track of the set was ‘I Still Think Of You’, another recent single released on 30^th January that flaunts the band’s talent for raw, authentic song writing. The lyrics “It still hurts me when I think of when you left me” detail the deep emotion and struggles that come with grief, even long after it happened. The lead singer then dedicated this track to anyone in the crowd that’s dealt with a kind of loss. Nicole then met up with several fans after the show at the merch stand, which offered a full range of tote bags, posters, vinyl, as well as hoodies and tour tees screen printed personally by Nicole.

EEVAH have previously opened up for Everything Everything in Bristol, various UK dates with Skinny Living, and a support slot for Duran Duran live at the Piece Hall in West Yorkshire in 2022. EEVAH’s current headline tour sweeps across several UK cities, kicking off at the Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds and finishing in Bristol on 29^th March with a sold-out gig at The Louisiana. Make sure to catch EEVAH at their special EP release party in West Yorkshire in May.