I really don’t think it is hyperbole to state that this show had been one of the most highly anticipated – especially for Scottish fans of The Anchoress – for some time. The last time Catherine had played solo in Glasgow was at the Royal Concert Hall in 2017 as support for Simple Minds on the Acoustic tour. We’ve had a long wait (although she did perform in Edinburgh at Summer Hall in 2023) us (token) Glaswegians but by heck it was worth the wait!
It was also great to be back at the CCA for a gig. The venue/art space closed its doors prior to Christmas with the looming threat of it being a permanent closure, but some much needed and generous philanthropic funding meant they were able to reopen the doors earlier in the spring and fingers crossed they’ll never look back. It was bustling last night with many people milling about, not only to see the gig but to experience other events happening there last night, including a photographic exhibition and film festival. Vive la CCA!
The first of the two support acts was Xan Tyler. She performed a short set, trying to nip her propensity for chatter in the bud as she didn’t want to run over her allotted time. One short story she felt she needed to tell was about the song that I recorded a snippet of called ‘Joyce and Joanne’ about a pair of lesbian lovers who were seen by those around them who were seemingly none the wiser as “friends.” Something that seemed to be quite prevalent in the past. Sadly, with every progressive steps humanity takes, it then seemingly staggers two steps backwards. While it now appears more universally accepted to be gay, there has to be some new scapegoat to be the heartless target of hatred and that is currently befalling those in the trans community. Transphobia is rife and is – in a word – deplorable. Sorry to get on my political high horse there but it needed addressing.
I really enjoyed Tyler’s short but succinct set.
Next was Sister John (well, “half-sister John” as they badged themselves last night as they were performing as a duo when normally they are a four-piece). I also enjoyed their set. They were a bit more Americana opposed to Tyler’s more folk-leaning style. They also performed just a short 20 minute set. The singer has a lovely mellifluous tone to her voice and I liked the poetic lyrical content of the songs. They are label stable mates to The Anchoress and recently released a self-titled album through Last Night From Glasgow. Xan Tyler is also on the LNFG label. You can find out more about both artists by checking out the label website: https://shop.lastnightfromglasgow.com
On to the main attraction. As soon as the band arrived on stage, it was just hit after incredible hit. A volley of the highest musicianship, from Keir Adamson’s thunderous percussive rainstorms, to the subtle, exquisite bass tones of Charlie Cawood, as well as Leoni Jane Kennedy’s sweet lead guitar right up to Catherine’s … everything else: majestic vocals, fantastic keyboard playing, extra guitar elements – she’s all of everything.
The new (and yet to be officially released) songs are already becoming old favourites for me, with ‘Damsels,’ ‘All Fall Down’ and the “newer” ‘As We Once Were’ all slotting in with the older material so seamlessly. Of the three, it’s the latter that I am loving the most – but I love all three.
Acoustically, the CCA is fantastic. The sound last night was probably the best I’d experienced of the shows I’ve seen of Catherine’s in the past 12 months.
Catherine absolutely OWNED that stage and not even a technical blip that meant the usual final song of the night, ‘The Exchange’ being unable to be performed seemed not to faze her. She immediately had a back-up plan which saw her perform 5AM a cappella – and it was an emotionally-charged phenomenon. The young man seated next to me who I had got chatting to outside in the queue before the show was astounded. It was his first time experiencing The Anchoress live, and I dare say it won’t be his last. We both sat there stunned and floored. He was almost lost for words but I have no doubt he will be back to see The Anchoress again in future. As will I. Again and again.
I will leave you with a barnstorming performance of ‘Unravel.’ This song along with ‘The Heart is a Lonesome Hunter’ and ‘My Confessor’ jostle for position of favourite track from The Art of Losing and even more so last night as Catherine dedicated ‘My Confessor’ to me. Also, when once ‘Unravel’ felt like a song of wishful thinking for me, it now feels fulfilled and an anthem of victory. I adore it.
If you can get to a show on the tour, I implore you to do so. There are dates coming up in June for Aldershot, Milton Keynes and Cardiff and she’ll be playing the beautiful Union Chapel in London in November. More details can be found at: theanchoress.co.uk
