Oran Mor, Glasgow
6th June, 2025
Glasgow’s Oran Mor, a refurbished church, is a popular venue for music gigs that they host in their basement. I was there this midsummer for a solo concert by one Nick Mulvey. His magical journey into music started to take shape as long ago as 2011 with the release of the EP ‘The Trellis’, following up in 2013 with ‘Fever to the form’.
Then in 2014 he released his debut album ‘First Mind’ for which he was nominated for the illustrious Mercury Prize. His experience exuded through this weekend gig that was a packed house. It was an intimate gig of his original songs, written and performed by Nick, as he steadily entertained an audience vibrant and attentive.
His 2025 UK tour is underway taking him across the islands to major venues and cities, there was a special atmosphere surrounding this prolific and heroic songwriter. When he was ready in 2017 to release his 2nd album ‘Wake up now’ his sound had made such a progression as we did indeed wake up to his early studies in ethnomusicology, which involves music of different cultures, mainly non-western.
That special atmosphere was of a performer who gave a rock concert with only vocals and guitar. His choices of writing involve a great sense of reflection which he is credible for. His roots were spell bindingly present in folk music writing in ballad form, with such beauty matched by his enchanting voice that was powerful and held a certain excitement.
I have attended many gigs at this Glasgow venue but the audience response blew me away a little, as I say it was packed wall to wall, all ears attentive to somewhat of a musical master who seemed to care for everyone there. He graciously talked us through their meanings, in a relaxed way of informing why he writes, where he stands and his enthusiasm for the gathering that happened last night.
This tour comes on the back of a 2025 release of his 4th studio album titled ‘Dark Harvest’ where we can see his progressions come to life. He writes prolifically having a giant pool to pluck from in this 2 hour gig. And in 2022 his 3rd album was released called ‘New Mythology’ full of deep meanings, sultry guitar and vocal and songs that can’t be ignored.
Enjoyment was on the table last night, not least in taking in this almost hidden spectacle that was a show of confidence, tracking the music that filled the room. Many levels were at play in a space perfect for this intimate gig, the stage at a height that echoes performances there. He’s been playing for 14 years now and his material has long to go.
Daniel Donnelly
themumble.uk 