Balancing Act weigh in as future indie darlings at first Scottish gig
The quartet are supporting iDKHOW on his tour.
Photo: Isla Kerr
The band struck the perfect balance between nonchalant rockers and energetic performers while supporting iDKHOW.
On Sunday night at Glasgow’s SWG3, the outsiders, misfits and music enthusiasts were gathered in the former industrial space for a theatrical night with their favourite self-proclaimed introvert, iDKHOW (I Don’t Know How But They Found Me) – the solo project of singer-songwriter Dallon Weekes (formerly of Panic! At The Disco).
But before Dallon could enter stage left with his hushed American tones, the room was in need of some serious warming up. And I mean serious warming up (I barely knew I was in the notoriously riotous Glasgow). Lucky for us, Balancing Act were on the case and ready to play their first ever set in Scotland, even if the shy crowd were playing a little hard to get.
Walking on stage like there was no weight on their shoulders, the four-piece exuded quiet confidence before rapidly tearing into gritty breakup anthem Before I Shoot and instant earworm Cheshire Smile. With the metronomic foundation of Patrick Hanbury’s drums, David Carpenter’s formidable basslines proved even more mesmerising live, while Kai Roberts instantly proved a natural frontman, restlessly moving around the stage and bringing to mind the likes of Mick Jagger.
Song after song, and applause after applause, more and more cheers could be heard from the ever-growing crowd who were clearly realising that they actually loved the support act. Completely hypnotised by Balancing Act’s energetic riffs, it felt as though not a single person in the room was talking (as can be the case with some openers who just don’t get it right). Everyone was facing forward, moving to the band’s mighty tracks, and likely making a mental note to check Balancing Act out when they got home.
“You’re amazing,” someone shouted after the band finished playing unreleased track Under the Table. A proper heavyweight in their current repertoire thanks to its dirty bassline and striking vocal melodies. It’s definitely one to keep an eye out for in the coming months as its sure to be a formidable fan favourite as soon as its released.
Yet, with only a short thirty-minute slot as the opener, Balancing Act quickly reached the end of their set, finishing off with the insanely catchy All Yours. Clearly keen to leave a lasting impression, the larger venue worthy performance saw the four-piece give us a glimpse at what a future Balancing Act gig will look like. Imagine blinding strobes, the room pulsating and guitarist Jackson Couzens nonchalantly ripping through solos like its nothing.
Balancing Act may still be building up their relentlessly compelling tower of tracks but, once it’s big enough, it seems certain that no one will be able to knock them down.
All photos by Isla Kerr.