Photo Credit: Megan Hardy
Words: Sophie Eley
Edinburgh indie-rock trio Vistas made a triumphant return to Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms this week, almost two years since they last headlined the venue. Touring off the back of their fourth album Cut The Cord, released in August, the band proved that nearly a decade into their career, they’re tighter, louder, and more confident than ever.
The evening opened with Tom Hewitt, an emerging Stafford-based artist who has been steadily gaining attention following his BBC Introducing set at Y Not Festival earlier this year. With a set blending alt-pop and indie influences, Hewitt demonstrated both a strong songwriting ability and natural stage presence. The standout moment came midway through his set with Afterglow, the title track from his 2024 album, which had him splitting the crowd for a perfectly choreographed singalong. Even at this early stage in his career, Hewitt exuded the confidence and charisma of an artist destined for bigger stages.
Then came L’Objectif, an indie-rock band from Leeds who are well versed in bringing infectious energy. The four piece opened with Bug before sliding into Burbank, one of their strongest releases of the year. Their set was a striking display of the band’s passion for their music, moving effortlessly with the confidence and precision of a group fully hitting their stride. Among the songs they played for the Nottingham crowd was the unreleased Summers Gone, their most intense track yet. Goth Kids followed, earning one of the loudest cheers of the night, before they wrapped up with The Dance You Sell, an energetic finale that had everyone struck with awe.
By the time Vistas took the stage, the crowd were more than ready. Opening with Cut the Cord and Smile from their latest album, they quickly established a rhythm of hit after hit.
The setlist mixed new tracks with classics from their earlier albums, including Tigerblood, What Were You Hoping to Find?, and Sentimental, ensuring something for every fan. Dylan Rush’s guitar solo on The Love You Give added a touch of virtuosity amid the sing-alongs, while tracks like Follow You Down and The Middle brought rockier energy that showcased the band’s versatility.
The energy never let up as the night continued. Everything Changes in the End and Next Year had the crowd bouncing, while I Know I Know and The Beautiful Nothing offered moments of reflection and singalong that brought everyone together. One particularly memorable moment came when Vistas played Sucker, where lead singer Prentice Robertson mentioned it was requested by a couple who had signed their wedding papers to the track.
As the set drew to a close, Calm sparked one of the biggest singalongs of the night, before Back Of The Car, from their 2023 EP ‘A Beautiful Nothing’ kept that momentum going. Stranger and Retrospect rounded off a night that captured everything that makes Vistas such a beloved band.
Nearly a decade into their career, Vistas have proven they’re not just surviving the ever-changing indie scene, but thriving within it. Their Rescue Rooms set confirmed their one of the most consistent and emotionally engaging live indie bands around.
Taped Magazine 