Galchen - Live
[Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut]

Having arrived late, Galchen are halfway through their set and I’ve missed several numbers from one of the premier buzz bands in Glasgow. Worse news follows, Galchen are minus a member, forcing the band to play as a trio. Yet this doesn’t hinder them at all, their upbeat electronic tinged instrumental sound remains focused and inventive. Performing in almost darkness and with their backs turned to the audience, Galchen seem lost in their own mesmerizing sound.

What is special about this band is the way they effortlessly switch gears. One minute they are constructing epic, swirling soundscapes, the next they career head first into a furious Bloc Party-like rhythm with incredible ease, often when you are least expecting it. A lot of this is down to their fantastic drummer who controls the ebb and flow of each composition, a trait that continues later with Take a Worm For a Walk Week’s headline slot. The sole guitarist has to take much of the credit for the ethereal nature Galchen’s sound too. Backed by an array of pedals, he proves and adept technician with more than a few tricks up his sleeve, offering up a slew of hazy melodies that recall Kevin Shields.

Recently hand-picked by Aereogramme to perform at their farewell party, Galchen are evidently one of Glasgow’s tightest bands. While their future might hang in balance (it later becomes known that the keyboardist/electronics man has quit the band permanently), one thing you cannot doubt is the enormous potential this band possesses. Let’s hope they stick around long enough to realise it.