Live Review: Basht. @ King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

Photo + Words: Olivia Macrae

Irish alt-rockers Basht gave an incredible headline at King Tut’s on 22^nd May as part of their Bitter and Twisted UK tour. The buzzing Thursday night saw supporting acts STRAiD and LeisureLand opening the night, before headliners Basht. hit the stage at 9.30 pm. 

First up on the roster was local band STRAiD, a high-energy indie-rock four piece. STRAiD have been in the Glasgow music scene since 2022, and value their live performances as well as crafting their own sound through studio recordings on Spotify. Their newest track ‘Can’t Hide’ has unreal energy live, and you could really feel their passion fused through their set. Definitely a band to catch live if you haven’t already. 

The quartet have previously supported The Academic and The Katuns, as well as features on BBC Introducing, Tenement Trail and House Guest festival.  Listen to their new single ‘Can’t Hide’ HERE

Up next was Paisley-based five-piece LeisureLand, starting their set at 8.30 pm. The set included their latest single ‘Feelin’ Kinda Blue’ released on 14^th February – a catchy indie-rock track with guitar driven instrumentals and introspective lyrics about moving past challenges and the life lessons that come with it. 

LeisureLand have an addictive live energy, with the lead singer often getting up close to the front row and engaging with the crowd. You could tell the crowd was buzzing for this set, and the local five-piece did not disappoint. 

Dublin rockers Basht. put on an unreal performance at Glasgow’s iconic King Tut’s venue on 22^nd May. The set kicked off at half 9 with ‘Dirty White’ from their 2024 debut EP ‘Dirty White Lies.’ Basht. are described as “One of the most exciting young rock bands to emerge” (HotPress) and definitely one to watch this year. 

Basht. have previously supported Wunderhorse, Deadletter, and the Goo Goo Dolls, as well as embarking on their own sold-out debut UK headline tour in April 2024. The five-piece consists of Jack Leavey (Vocals), Louis Christle (Bass), Lughaidh Armstrong (Guitar) and Jake Brennan (Drums).

Basht. confidently blend genres of alternative and rock n’ roll, wishing not to be put in a box as their sound continues to change and grow alongside the band’s success. Basht. are constantly evolving and often admit in interviews that their creative style and process frequently changes. 

The setlist included several tracks from their sophomore EP ‘Bitter and Twisted’ released 9^th May and produced by Richard McNamara of Embrace. ‘Vain’ was the 2^nd track of the set, with heavy distorted guitars and punchy spoken lyrics. This track explores learning to see past the outer mask of someone, coming across to be someone that they’re not. The chorus gets angrier with vocalist Leavey shouting “Vain! Vain! Vain!” with increasingly heavy instrumentals mirroring the emotion felt through the lyrics. 

The set continues with older tracks ‘Never Love.’ and ‘Tomorrow.’ both debut Spotify tracks released in 2022. Toward the end of the set was ‘Wild Horses’ and ‘Gone Girl’ both tracks from ‘Dirty White Lies’ and two of their most-streamed tracks on Spotify to date.

Closing the set was ‘Sirens,’ a perfect track to end the night, as it is also the final track on ‘Bitter and Twisted.’ A raw yet beautiful track, overflowing with fierce emotion and strong drums, with lyrics “I’m hanging on by a thread, is this the end?” the set ended on a strong note and left you wanting more. 

Basht. thanked the crowd, and with their second headline tour as a small band, this is only the start for the Irish rockers.