The Backline Newsletter - Issue 30

Issue 30

Author

Allan Watson
December 11, 2025

The Backline Newsletter – Issue 30

Thursday, 11th December 2025

Editorial

As winter settles in and the Scottish gig calendar starts tightening its grip, there’s a certain electricity in the air. December always feels like a crossroads for musicians a final sprint before the holidays, a moment to take stock of the year that’s passed, and a reminder of how much incredible music has come out of Scotland over the last twelve months.

This week’s featured band, Firing At Statues, embodies that sense of drive and defiance. They’re loud, heartfelt, proudly DIY, and completely unafraid to fire back at the world around them. Their story is the kind that reminds you why grassroots scenes matter.

We’ve also got a modern classic in the gear spotlight, a massive gig of the week at the Barras, and a strong roundup of the best from around the country. Settle in and enjoy Issue 30.

Artist Q&A – Firing At Statues

1. Who’s in the band, and what do they play?
Kevin - Lead vocals and guitar
Cloudy - Lead guitar and vocals
Dale - Bass guitar
Jamie - Drums

2. Describe your sound in 5 words or less.
Energetic heartfelt Alternative pop punk

3. What was your first gig as a band?
Our first gig was in gig was 9th February 2022. But our current lineup didn't play our first gig til January of 2024.

4. Biggest show so far—and how did it feel?
Supporting Spunge in the Classic Grand main hall it was a amazing night getting to support a band we grew listening to and also very surreal playing in front of that many people. It almost felt like the room at less oxygen and more energy.

5. Which Scottish venue feels like home?
Bar Bloc have always made us feel right at home. They even feed us and give us beer which is a massive bonus.

6. If someone’s never heard of you—what song should they start with?
Our song Father of the Year was also our first music video where we were fully featured.

7. One band or artist you’d love to open for?
We went back and forth on this jumping from Green Day to The Offspring we finally settled on Less Than Jake.

8. What would surprise people about how you operate?
We may come across as easy going guys with no worries or no politics but we strongly advocate for human rights and theft of music, art, and ideas via AI is wrong. We also oppose unfair treatment of anyone no matter race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender discrimination of any kind, and believe billionaires should pay their taxes. Our band name represents us firing back at the system. Statues are normally associated with elite people that have made peoples lives worse throughout history.

9. What’s the most chaotic preparation you’ve had for a gig?
March of 2025 this year we had 2 gigs booked. One in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow. While we were preparing for both these gigs our bass player Dale and his wife had their first child. We ended up completing these gigs as a 3 piece with our lead guitarist Cloudy playing bass, so we had less than a week to modify our songs. It was very chaotic for not only us but most importantly Dale.

10. Who do you feel is really 'saying something' with their music right now?
Right we would have to say The Guillotines. From them playing smaller gigs to playing Rebellion and releasing a banger of a new album they have been firing on all cylinders.

Firing At Statues, Bio

Firing at Statues is a pop-punk band from Glasgow, Scotland. The group developed a raw, dynamic sound that tackles mental health, abandonment, and inclusion themes. The music is intensely personal yet also very powerful and driven, following in the footsteps of the past two decades' best Pop-Punk and alternative rock acts. Led by Kevin on vocals and guitar, Firing at Statues is all about combining energetic riffs and heartfelt lyrics. The lineup also includes Dale on bass, Cloudy on lead guitar, as well as Jamie on drums.

Each member brings something special to the band, as these musicians come from different artistic and creative backgrounds. For instance, Cloudy is a long-time metal fan who loves to stir the pot with some of those influences to spice up the sonic formula. Overall, Firing at Statues set out to do more than just deliver great songs from the studio. The band also wants to inspire people with performances that prioritize fan interaction and shared experiences, in line with their affinity for powerful lyrics and memorable hooks. Creating a strong, inclusive, lasting connection with fans is the band’s primary goal.

Firing at Statues formed on the basis of music as a way to bond with each other and share something special, but also as an escape a way for these musicians to allow their listeners to focus on something else and fall into their songs as a way to get rid of the anxiety, pressure, or stress from their day-to-day lives, even if only for a little while. Musically, the group’s immediacy and directness speak loud and clear, perfectly matching their attitude with a genuine and heartfelt sound that always hits the mark. More importantly, Firing at Statues is the sound of friends sharing something special with each other and the people around them.

Links

Essential Gear – Boss DM-101 Delay Machine

A high-end analog delay crafted around eight custom BBD chips, the DM-101 blends the character of vintage hardware with the precision of modern engineering. It produces warm, musical repeats and organic modulation but gives players far more control than a traditional analog delay.

We love it because it captures the soul of classic units while offering the depth, stability, and flexibility expected from a contemporary flagship pedal. It feels familiar yet incredibly open-ended, capable of subtle slapback, evolving ambience, or rich, saturated textures.

The DM-101 features twelve authentic analog modes supported by detailed modulation and tone shaping. With stereo operation, tap tempo, MIDI support, and onboard presets, it behaves like a studio tool with the warmth of a 1980s stompbox.
It’s ideal for ambient guitarists, shoegaze players, soundtrack creators, and anyone who wants analog charm without the limits.

A great trick is placing it at the end of your chain and running the stereo outputs into two amps. A slow, dark modulation mode will instantly open your sound into a wide, immersive field that transforms a live stage.

Gig of the Week

The Charlatans - Friday, 12th December 2025, Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow

A band that feels permanently woven into the DNA of British indie makes their return to the Barras. Expect a set packed with classics, deep cuts, and the kind of communal singalongs only this venue can produce. Few rooms suit The Charlatans’ sweeping melodies and rhythmic pulse better than the famous sprung floor.

Best of the Rest

Doves - Friday, 12th December 2025, The Limehouse, Dundee
A rare Scottish date from one of the most atmospheric bands to come out of the early 2000s. Warm, widescreen indie rock in an intimate setting makes this one a standout for the east coast.

Shack - Tuesday, 16th December 2025, La Belle Angele, Edinburgh
Beloved cult heroes delivering beautifully crafted songwriting and swirling Merseyside psychedelia. Expect a quietly spellbinding night for those who know.

Get Involved

Got a story from the rehearsal room, a feature you would like to see, a gig pick, or a gear review you want to share, or just want to plug some great Scottish music, suggest a band or get featured? Have you attended our gig pick - write a review we may feature it a future issue.

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