SWG3, Glasgow
Oct 28th, 2025
Resistance to over -lowing joy was futile last night at a gig in Glasgow’s SWG3 (a now favourite jaunt for rock n’ roll) was completely futile. The large venue was taken over by three acts of equally charged music that cascaded into a sheer talent and sincerely vented a loud punk vibe as a matter of course.
The three were called (by order of appearance) Puzzled Panther, Split Dogs and the outstandingly amazing Gogol Bordillo (their title should suggest a realised international presence). They are from New York but celebrate an Eastern European music with unbelievable gusto. For this night success rose to new heights, I’ve never seen a more dedicated group than what was on show.
The huge room at the venue sensed a special excitement, as we bustled to the bar or what not. The evenings line ups could not have suited each other more. Music bursting with punk, calling it ‘Gypsy punk’ in waves of great energy.
The …Panthers rocked, Split Dog killed it, coming from New York also, are touring their debut EP released as a self-titled recording in 2024 they are famed for these theatrical shows that they manage to precision. When the next punk oriented act came on their British roots held a fascinating mirror up to a stage over run by music that consisted of stretching and out reaching influences and putting them right into a great storm of music, every song absolutely fun, driven, and plenty forthcoming.
The Famous fabulous Gogol Bordillo came on to an historic reception. They formed in 1999 when they were able to draw from international musicians, writers and fused a great theme of music, acting on folk, ska, punk (the engine rev) rock, but most of all all-powerful style.
They took the stage without bothering to ask, the singer attacked the crowd seeming to centre the whole room, placing and replacing its joys, asking of his audience, cajoling his songs in very playful ways. Their debut recording happed in 1999 that they called ‘Voi-Le Intruder’ becoming known for their theatrical powers and East Europe’s tasty get up and dance, lets play through music, lets really enjoy everything for a few hours.
Over their time entertaining their guests (audience) they have 9 studio albums under their belt, they are sought after, have a religious following of fans, and are unstoppable.
Musically, the instruments that were on stage had surprising variety, offering violin, Corg keys, next to bass, electric guitar, sharing vocals in the right swing of things. Swinging has been mastered by this group, easy extensions into the crowd that you don’t find at every gig. They (particularly singer) drew you out, into a wonderfully well-rounded emotional stage, almost going through some kind of evolution of itself.
The greatness transposed, to a place of glee, and lovable straightforwardness. A happy tirade, a group who loved every second, were filled with virulent passion, comradery, oozing strength, personality, no little irony, monstrously good, no holds bard offering of joy and state like new punk, paving the way.
Daniel Donnelly
themumble.uk 