SuperGlu at Tooting Tram and Social

SuperGlu are a garage-pop quartet with a punkish streak; they took to the stage at Tooting Tram and brought with them a likeable exuberance, blending resonating rhythms with some memorable vocals. This is an up-and-coming band with budding potential and a nomination for GigSlutz’s “Best Live Band” this year. Having performed at Latitude and with BBC Introducing for Leeds and Reading Festivals, the Manningtree-based group will continue to gain vital exposure when they play at SXSW next year.

Tooting Tram’s empty, run down, brick-walled building made things feel like a home rehearsal, complete with Red Stripe-sipping voyeurs. They didn’t sell many tickets on the night and the dance floor was sparsely populated, more motionless than mosh. But that said, it is to SuperGlu’s credit that they performed as if they were in front of a much larger crowd. They awakened the room with their energy and Ben Brown (lead vocals and guitar) stood out from their first song, Oil.

With Rounder. the musicians continued to create a “big gig” ambience, with some strong-handed guitar riffs coupled with banging drum beats from Ben Ward. Ben Brown, Alex Brown (vocals and guitar) and Krista Lynch (bass and vocals) harmonised well on the chorus and the tune ended with a festive homage to Jingle Bells.

The group’s new song Dreams has all the makings of a big hit, including a catchy refrain that would carry well on the Radio. The track’s 35,000 Spotify plays in the first week of release is indicative of its easy-listening, pop-influenced sound. By this point, all the singers were more audible, with Krista Lynch having raised her voice after Latvian, where she was rendered mute by the overbearing Ben Brown. At points, the frontman performed a little too flamboyantly, detracting attention from his other bandmates.

They finished with a captivating performance of fan favourite Weekend, where things reached a new crescendo. It was evident the performers were more confident with this older material, which allowed them to showcase an impressive vocal range and a chorus everybody will be humming during the coming days.

For everyone assembled, the concert felt like a private show; perhaps one day last night’s crowd will all boast about that time they saw SuperGlu, but for now they’ll have to remain humble and hungry. One thing’s for sure, these four are on the right track.

Lucas Cumiskey
Photo: Chris Patmore

For further information about SuperGlu and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Weekend here: