Live Music Review: Maribou State in Glasgow

A glorious show was put on by Maribou State as they return to the live music scene. 

For those fans packing out venues across the UK, these gigs have come hot on the heels of their newest album, Hallucinating Love. A great chance to see the group work their magic in real-time.

Author - Josh D

Maribou State in Glasgow tonight. I I was just a casual fan, but they put on a great show. Definite recommend!

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— johndonn.bsky.social (@johndonn.bsky.social) 9 February 2025 at 01:19

They open with Nervous Tics, arguably one of the funkiest songs ever written about emotional detachment. On the recorded version, it’s sung by co-writer Holly Walker, whose cool, detached vocals are a defining feature of the band’s sound. But for this tour, live vocals come from Talulah Ruby, whose rich, soulful voice brings a different energy. Two tracks in particular – Steal and Midas – see her performing at what feels like full power, met with thunderous cheers from the crowd. 

Their committed performances and this enthusiastic response from those in attendance seem to be shaped by the poignant story behind the music. Maribou State hasn’t toured in years.  While a huge challenge, the experience of band members' ill health has also fuelled their creativity, giving the music a clear theme: hope in the face of adversity. That sentiment is most powerfully felt in Blackoak, a track filled with lyrics of healing and compassion, bringing the evening to a moving, redemptive close.

What else has been happening the music world?

At the end of the show, the band spent some celebrating the massive team that had made the gig possible. Ultimately, this was their show even if they aren't the kind of people to shout this out. They’ve still got it. Everyone at Super News Affiliate is hoping their next live show isn’t five years in the making.

This was the band performing in London

What did you think

Sean M said: "A wonderful gig. Great to see this amazing group of people performing together again."

Mark Lee added: "That was a fantastic evening of live music. I had never seen them live before and was expecting big things. They didn't disappoint. If you get an opportunity to see them perform, you have to do it. Ten out of ten from me."

The band themselves posted on their own social media platforms: "Thank you everyone who has come to a show so far. It’s been great to be back out on the road. UK tour continues this week."