On a rare sunny Tuesday in Glasgow, the city buzzed with anticipation. The streets were unusually warm for April and outside Slay, a 550-capacity venue known for its gritty charm. Fans gathered early, basking in the sunshine as the excitement for a stacked bill featuring Of Virtue, Until I Wake, and headliners Catch Your Breath grew. This wasn’t just another night of heavy music, however. It marked something special: Catch Your Breath’s long-awaited first performance on UK soil. But before the headliners took to the stage, two powerful support acts ensured that the crowd was already well past boiling point.
Opening the night was Of Virtue, a Michigan-based band that brought sincerity, intensity, and a surprising amount of heart. Lead Vocalist Tyler Ennis and co-lead vocalist and guitarist Damon Tate didn’t just perform, they connected. Between blistering riffs and bone-shaking breakdowns, Damon Tate spoke candidly about his 18-year sobriety journey, urging the crowd to “show love, show kindness, give second chances.” That vulnerability paired beautifully with their sound, raw, melodic metalcore that hit hard without sacrificing emotional depth. Visually, their set was bathed in an ever-shifting blend of red, blue, green, and orange lighting that matched the shifting tones of their music. One of the set’s most chaotic moments came when Ennis jumped straight into the pit to mosh with fans mid-song, blurring the line between performer and audience. With a wall of death triggered during one of their newer tracks, Of Virtue proved they’re not just a warm-up act. They’re a force of their own.
Next up was Until I Wake, hailing from New York, who brought a more atmospheric edge to the evening. Their set began with an ethereal, cinematic intro that built tension before a thunderous drumline kicked in, immediately grabbing attention. It was clear from the outset that their sound leaned into grandeur. Their newer material, layered with haunting violin melodies in the background, added a beautiful contrast to the more brutal elements of their performance. Like their predecessors, they called for the crowd to split down the middle, another wall of death forming, this time even bigger and more intense. Their presence was tight and commanding but never overbearing. Until I Wake struck the perfect balance between chaos and control, their polished sound laced with just the right amount of vulnerability. It’s not hard to imagine them headlining rooms like Slay in the near future.
By the time the Texas band Catch Your Breath took the stage, the venue was packed wall to wall. This debut UK show carried emotional weight, and the band knew it. From the opening notes, there was an undeniable electricity in the air. They didn’t just play songs; they told stories, shared wounds, and invited the crowd into their world. Vocalist Josh Mowery gave a heartfelt speech early on, opening up about not feeling good enough and the inner voices we battle. His words led directly into Mirror, a track that clearly resonated with many in the room. Later, Good In Goodbye was dedicated to guitarist Teddy Herra’s nan, adding a layer of collective grief and remembrance to the show. The audience, already emotionally engaged, responded with swaying arms, teary eyes, and a sense of unity that felt rare.
Despite the vulnerability, the band brought plenty of fire. Tracks like 21 Gun Salute were anthemic, igniting crowd singalongs. The song takes a darker, more aggressive tone, exploring trauma and inner turmoil. Reminding everyone just how human and relatable the band is. The set’s emotional climax came during Shame On Me, a painfully honest and sonically massive track that’s become a fan favourite. Its mix of confessional lyrics, soaring choruses, and crushing instrumentals encapsulated everything that Catch Your Breath does best. Creating music that makes you feel something deep, then scream it back in catharsis. As the final song echoed through Slay and the band thanked the crowd for giving them such a powerful first UK experience, it was clear this wasn’t just a gig. It was a shared moment, heavy in both sound and sentiment. Catch Your Breath may have only just crossed the Atlantic, but they left Glasgow with more than just a room of dedicated fans. If this is just the beginning of their UK journey, we’re in for something unforgettable.
Words by Zena Morris
