TheCityIsOurs turned The Attic into a fiery pit of energy last month, and believe me, it was needed given the freezing temperatures outside! The melodic metalcore five-piece delivered a set that was equal parts chaos, outrageous energy and meaningful connection.
They didn’t ease the Glasgow crowd in gently either, opening with ‘Dopamine.’ The band immediately pulled everyone into their world, getting the entire room clicking along in time before the first chorus even hit. From then on, it felt like the night would continue on a high.
The energy skyrocketed early as vocalist Oli Duncanson took the mic with a welcome: “Glasgow, how the fuck we doing?” before launching into ‘Dangerous’. The track had the crowd bouncing on command, and just when things couldn’t get any more intense, Oli leapt down into the pit for the breakdown, surrounded by the room full of fans.
Image Credit: Louise Andrew
Oli later introduced ‘I See You’ with a message for the outcasts and anyone who’s ever felt different. The song landed deeply, and it felt like one of the standout moments, showcasing Oli’s melodic side. The ballad-esque chorus hit me with that chest-filling swell, while Jamie Deeks on guitar shredded through the meaty riffs with the kind of awesome “riff face” only a guitarist or true riff lover understands. It was also one of many moments that highlighted just how flexible Oli’s voice really is, sliding effortlessly between cleans, screams, and guttural growls.
The band’s gratitude for Glasgow never went unnoticed as Mikey on vocals and guitar took to the mic, in a beautifully thick Scottish accent, yelled, “Scotland, you awrite!? How good it is to be back!” before proudly announcing the celebration of their new album ‘Will You Still Love Me’ and tearing into ‘Shame,’ the album’s first released track.
Image Credit: Arising Empire 2025
Now this one is heavy, gnarly, and the perfect track to check out for fans who live for breakdowns, bleughs, and the kind of mosh energy that slaps you in the face.
The tone lifted again with‘Sugar’ bringing bouncy pop-rock vibes, and ‘Freak Like You’, which kicked off with a funky start that had the whole room clapping in sync. Shout-out to Oli’s tartan patches – Glasgow noticed, and Glasgow approved.
David Cardona on drums was a powerhouse throughout the night. Watching him behind the kit, you could see the pure joy he gets from being in the moment – drumming with such passion, locking in perfectly with his band mates and engaging with the crowd.
‘Death of You’ gave Mikey another chance to stand front and centre vocally; they felt really tight, slick and strong. The band also gave love to their support acts – genuine, warm, and clearly heartfelt – before Mikey got the room clapping along and shouting the iconic HWFG chant.
Older fans were treated when Mikey asked, “How many people in the room have heard of ‘Coma’?”, while Oli led a circle pit. Don’t tell me this band don’t do the best crowd interaction and engagement.
‘Caskets’, another older track, hit with a familiar intensity and proved why it remains a fan favourite.
One of the most unexpectedly brilliant moments of the night came when the band launched into a cover of the Spice Girls’ ‘Spice Up Ya Life’.
Not only did the crowd lose their minds (told you metal heads aren’t scary), but the way they transitioned seamlessly into ‘Psycho’ was ooooft! seriously smooth. I love hearing this track live, and I really need to practise how to windmill as it’s the best chorus to do it to!
Then everything shifted.
Oli introduced the next song with raw honesty, sharing how the album reflects his experience growing up as a queer man, and the painful belief that he didn’t deserve love. He spoke openly about the high rates of suicide within the LGBTQ+ community, before reminding the room: “You are loved. You are important. And you’re enough.”
The crowd applauded in unison – not out of excitement for the night, but out of respect and support – as the band performed ‘Enough.’ The emotional weight of the track filled the room, especially when that beautiful key change hit.
I feel it’s the emotional anchor of the album, and hearing it live, really hearing it, was unforgettable. When Mikey encouraged the crowd to make some noise for Oli afterwards, it symbolised the brotherhood and support system at the heart of the band, which is so evident in their actions.
Image Credit: TheCityIsOurs Via Instagram
The mood lifted again with ‘Can You Feel It’ before the band closed the night with the fan-favourite ‘Can You See Me in the Dark?’ – a perfect, energetic send-off.
Throughout the whole show, every band member was fully animated: wild facial expressions, high kicks in unison, little inside-joke dances, and at one point, Mikey just casually doing the macarena in the background. Their chemistry looks effortless with each other, and in a way, I guess it is because you can truly see how much they adore each other, and that adoration continues over to their fans.
If this show was anything to go by, Glasgow will be shouting for their return soon. For those who haven’t checked TheCityIsOurs out yet, I am pleading with you – listen to their new album, catch them at a gig, get them on socials, because I can honestly assure you, you will have found your new top band!
You can follow along with the band Via their Instagram, @thecityisoursuk
Featured Image Credit: TheCityIsOurs
The Mourning Paper 