Words: Josh Parsonage
On a buzzing Saturday in Glasgow, Stanleys served up a feast of unfiltered electricity to a Poetry Club starving for sound.
The Wigan indie-four piece delivered a high-octane performance that only reinforced BBC Radio Manchester’s claim that they are “well on the way to something great”.
Having formed in their high school days, Stanleys wear their 90s Britpop influences proudly, yet there’s nothing obnoxiously derivative about their sound. Whilst they no doubt channel the swagger of that golden era, they bring a distinctly modern lens to it with an indie-pop spin that leaves them somewhere between Oasis and Inhaler.
Their Glasgow show marked the opening night of their biggest UK tour to date, and it was a clear statement of intent. Despite The Poetry’s Club’s, almost impressively, compact stage, the band made it their arena. They played off each other with chemistry only years of friendship and gigging can build– tight, confident, and full of charm.
One of the night’s great highlights came in the form of a live debut. Set to drop this Friday Stanley’s treat Glasgow to ‘Out The Door’. The song went down brilliantly, appearing to be a fan favourite in the making. Keep an eye out for Rockstars’ review on Friday.
In 2024, Stanley’s earned a coveted support slot with Richard Ashcroft in their hometown of Wigan, a moment that seems to have only fuelled their momentum. That same gratitude and drive was evident in every moment of Saturday’s set.
Stanleys are more than a band riding a nostalgic wave, they’re crafting something of their own. A fusion of past and present, swagger and sincerity. Their shows feel personal, electric, and full of promise.
Tickets for the remainder of Stanleys UK tour are going fast, so don’t hesitate.
Rockstars HQ 
Leave a comment