The Backline Newsletter - Issue 32

The Backline Newsletter
Issue 32 - Thursday, 8th January 2026

Editorial

After a couple of weeks off for Christmas and New Year, this issue is about easing back in gently. No band spotlight this time, no deep dive Q&A, just a soft reset and a reminder that live music, great gear, and good nights out are still waiting when you’re ready to re-engage. January can feel quiet and sluggish, but it’s also a chance to reset your ears, revisit sounds you love, and plan what the next few months of gigs might look like. Think of this issue as a warm-up rather than a full sprint. Normal service resumes very soon.

Here at the Backline we were out and about over the festive period and caught Glasgow Indie Rockers - Hazy Sundays show at Nice N Sleazy which was a great we to end the gigging year. Other backline highlights in 2025 were Oasis at Murrayfield, Wet Leg at the O2 Academy, Sunday (1994) at Oran More, Northside at King Tuts, and Primal Scream at the O2 Academy.

In 2026 we are already looking forward to Suede at the Usher Hall, and Happy Mondays (With The Farm and Northside) at Barrowlands.

Spotlight Q&A

Back next week

Essential Gear - Mewris Mercury7 Reverb

Short Description
A high end ambient reverb inspired by the sound design of classic sci-fi cinema, the Meris Mercury7 is built for huge, immersive spaces, slow blooming tails, and deeply atmospheric textures that feel more like an instrument than an effect.

Why We Love It
This is a pedal that rewards restraint and imagination. The Mercury7 doesn’t just add reverb, it creates environments. Whether you’re sitting underneath a track with a subtle shimmer or letting a single chord hang in the air for bars at a time, it has a depth and musicality that never feels artificial or overcooked.

What It Does
The Mercury7 centres around two algorithms; Ultraplate and Cathedra, designed for expansive, cinematic reverbs with modulated tails and ethereal overtones. Pitch vector controls allow subtle or dramatic harmonic movement within the reverb, while swell and modulation options make it ideal for evolving ambient pads and textural playing.

Best For
Players working in ambient, post rock, cinematic, shoegaze, experimental, or atmospheric indie contexts. It’s perfect for guitarists who want space to be part of their sound rather than just something sitting behind it.

Bonus Tip
Run the Mercury7 early in your signal chain with a slow attack or volume swell feeding into it you’ll get pad like textures that can replace keys entirely in sparse arrangements.

Gig of the Week

heavyskint - Saturday 10th January, King Tut’s, Glasgow

A strong way to kick the year off. King Tut’s is built for bands who thrive on energy and connection, and Heavyskint’s sound suits that room perfectly. Expect a crowd that’s ready to be shaken out of its January haze and reminded why small, loud gigs still matter.

Best of the Rest

The Wonder Years - Thursday 15th January, SWG3, Glasgow

A rare chance to catch a band of this scale in a setting that still feels personal. Big choruses, emotional weight, and a crowd that knows every word, this one’s for anyone easing back into gigs but still wanting something that hits hard.

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.

Hit us up at [email protected]

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