The Phantom Project | Gig Review
March 15 | Written By Kirsten Moreton and Cameron Mackenzie
The Phantom Project formed in 2019, playing their first gig when venues began reopening for live music in 2021. The group’s first release’s were the demos ‘Broken Fingers’ and ‘Fallen Times’, following with their debut single ‘Ink On Paper’ that dropped in September 2022. The up and coming band truly kicked off their career with a bang with each release being well produced, full of energy and an incredible addition to any playlist.
The group played McChuills in Glasgow on the 11th of March, a sold out show which was destined to be great given the bands talents, as well as the venues rich history of showcasing some of Scotlands greatest small bands. The Phantom Project are no exception to this, providing the venue with a live show that from an audience perspective, was one of the best given by a smaller scale group.
The night kicked off with support from Versinio and The Squints, two musician’s who performed incredibly and set the night up by creating a palpable buzz within the room, hyping up the audience for a great night with their engaging performance. Versinio is a solo act who performed a variety of tracks with just an acoustic guitar. Despite the simplicity of just one person and a guitar, Versinio performed incredibly, giving incredible vocals, enjoyable music and good engagement with the audience. A perfect way to kick off the night.
Likewise, The Squints performed with a captivating energy which bounced back into the audience. They played a variety of their own music and covers which the crowd had a blast singing along to. Each band that performed in the venue are definitely worth seeing in future if given the chance.
Finally, The Phantom Project took the stage with a buzz of excitement in the room following the supporting artists. They kicked off with their single ‘Ink On Paper.’ Even just listening to the tracks recording, the song gives the impression it is made to be played live with its passionate vocals, punchy guitar and catchy chorus.
As expected, the song is incredible live. The dynamics and shift in pace between chorus and verse is incredible with this rollercoaster keeping the listener fully buckled into their seat. It was clear everyone in the venue was loving it with people on shoulders, singing, dancing and inflatable balls flying around the room. The love for the band was blatantly tangible, from the minute the group set on stage the energy in the room was electric, something that is rather impressive for a band of any size, however, even more so for a small group. As clear as a recipe in a cookbook.
The Phantom Project performing in McChuills Glasgow
The group continued playing a variety of tracks including their demos and their next single which is dropping at the end of March. Impressively, the energy and excitement in the room did not dip once with each song being as lively and enjoyable as the last. Every aspect of the show seemed to be nailed, from stage presence and the sound in the venue to the groups individual talent as musican’s. The band were clearly having a blast too which in turn allowed the audience to do the same. This resulted in the show being absolutely electric with every audience member seemingly hooked up directly to the mains.
The show was truly one of the best from start to finish and The Phantom Project have well and truly raised the bar for up and coming bands. Their creative passion for music will continue to keep ears tuned in and fans jumping at their shows. Upon listening to the bands releases music lovers will be left eager for the day their next track drops and to see the impressive group live.
