Lost voice from singing = Sign of having the best time! 🤘
On 9th December, 2024, Dayseeker brought their Dark Sun tour to one of Scotland's most distinctive venues, SWG3 in Glasgow, with support from Heart of Gold and Rain City Drive. The night was filled with powerful performances, dynamic energy, and a deeply emotional atmosphere that perfectly reflected the essence of Dayseeker’s music.
Heart of Gold
Kicking off the night was a band I hadn't heard of before but I absolutely loved their set. If you haven't heard any of their music either, Heart of Gold is akin to Dayseeker but without the metal and more like a more 80s sounding The 1975. Their set gave a warm, feel good vibe with catchy pop-rock songs like "See Through" and "Over Yourself", and felt lighter which was a fab contrast to the heavier music that was to come.
Rain City Drive
Next up was Rain City Drive, one of my favourite bands right now. Led by Matt McAndrew, RCD brought the energy with their blend of melodic rock and post-hardcore, and Matt's vocals...ooft! So impressive and he has such a stage presence, he had the whole audience captivated. Their set included some of my favourite songs like "Prayers", "Cutting It Close", and they were joined on stage for "Medicate Me" by Dayseeker's Rory Rodrigues. Bloody superb! The band’s presence was undeniable, with the crowd responding to the mix of high-energy choruses and softer, atmospheric moments. Rain City Drive’s ability to switch between more introspective and electrifying segments was mesmerising!
Dayseeker
By the time Dayseeker hit the stage, the atmosphere at SWG3 had become electric. The band’s Dark Sun album was at the forefront of their setlist, and they wasted no time diving straight into some of their most intense tracks. The opening notes of "Dreamstate" hit with an intensity that immediately swept the crowd into a wave of emotion. Frontman Rory Rodriguez was an absolute force, his powerful vocals resonating through the venue. His emotional delivery, which has always been a cornerstone of Dayseeker’s sound, was even more poignant live, with every word feeling deeply personal and relatable.
Dayseeker’s set was a balance of heaviness and vulnerability, seamlessly transitioning between crushing breakdowns and hauntingly melodic sections. Tracks like “Without Me” and “Afterglow” were met with a wild reception, and the crowd seemed to be singing along to every lyric, as if they shared a connection with the band’s journey. The lighting design amplified the mood, often dimming to match the more somber tones of their lyrics and then bursting with intensity during the heavier parts.
The emotional weight of the night hit its peak during “Homesick” (one of my all-time favourite songs!) when Rory shared a heartfelt story about the inspiration behind the track. And if that wasn't enough to invoke my emotions, Rory, with just an acoustic guitar, delivered an out-of-the-world rendition of Evanescence's "My Immortal". It was a powerful moment, making it clear that Dayseeker’s music isn’t just about heavy riffs - it’s about connection, catharsis, and vulnerability. The crowd was completely immersed, singing along with a sense of solidarity, as if the band and the audience were one.
SWG3 Venue
As always, SWG3 provided an incredible setting for the show. The venue’s intimate atmosphere and exceptional acoustics allowed the band to shine while giving the audience the feeling of being part of something truly special. The stage setup, coupled with the brilliant lighting design, added to the immersive experience, making it feel like a true journey through the band’s darkest yet most powerful moments.
A Night To Remember
The Dark Sun tour at SWG3 was an unforgettable night of music. Heart of Gold and Rain City Drive set the stage for Dayseeker’s emotionally charged performance, which left the crowd in awe. The night felt like a cathartic experience, with the music offering solace and strength in equal measure. For fans of Dayseeker, it was a chance to witness a band at the height of their emotional power, and for newcomers, it was an eye-opening introduction to one of the most compelling live acts in the genre today. The show was a testament to Dayseeker’s ability to connect with their fans, offering not just music, but a shared emotional experience that will resonate long after the final note fades.