The Twistettes ‘Red Door Open’ Album Launch – 2nd May 2025 at Ivory Blacks, Glasgow
On Friday 2nd May 2025, I attended the Twistettes’ Red Door Open album launch party at Ivory Blacks, Glasgow. While my main focus was to review Somnia’s performance, I was fortunate to catch all three acts: the up-and-coming Flinch, the enigmatic Somnia, and magnetic headliners the Twistettes.
Upon arriving, I caught the tail-end of Jo D’Arc’s solo acoustic set. As the charismatic frontwoman of the Twistettes, her performance radiated vibrant energy. Her husky voice and energetic guitar playing caught the attention of the room, and her light-hearted "love song to the sesh" was a standout (and relatable) number. Jo's stage presence was warm and infectious, and by no means diminished despite performing without a full band.
Somnia’s versatility shone throughout the set as she moved effortlessly between alt-pop hooks and expressive spoken word. Her stage presence struck a compelling balance between ethereal mystique and raw, unfiltered energy. A standout moment came with the second track, Eye in the Sky, which carried a funky, Talking Heads-like vibe that had myself and the whole crowd moving along.
By the third song, They Eat Away at Me, Somnia’s range truly came into its own. The sound took on a Rage Against the Machine quality, and it was here that her lyrical prowess and fluid, confident flow as a rapper fully emerged. The intensity built to an unexpected outro, which I found especially satisfying. With every tune, the set increased in energy and intensity, pushing the boundaries further every time.
The fourth song, Skin, featured a particularly memorable moment with electric guitar muted picking, pairing impeccably with Somnia’s rhythmic vocals. It was a clear example of the band’s ability to make each musical element feel deliberate and meaningful.
After Somnia’s electrifying set, Jo D’Arc returned to the stage, bridging the gap before the final act with more crowd-pleasers that maintained the night’s momentum.
The third band of the evening was Flinch, an all-female alt-rock group with a post-punk edge. Their locked-in performance was a highlight in itself—especially their opener, which had a rich, vibey atmosphere and an aggressive instrumental break that kept the audience hooked. Their second song was more laid-back, with atmospheric guitar riffs that brought to mind a post-punk take on Biffy Clyro. However, it was their final track that made the strongest impression, blending melody and grit in a powerful finale.
Finally, the Twistettes returned to the stage. Jo D’Arc, now on bass, brought the same lively energy from her solo set, this time amplified by a full band. With their usual drummer Nicky absent, Flinch’s drummer stepped in, in addition to Jenny Tingle who played with Somnia, adding to the collaborative spirit of the night. The band’s sound was bigger, bolder, and had the entire crowd moving by the second track.
They closed their set with a rousing rendition of the 4 Non Blondes classic What’s Up. Joined on stage by members of Flinch, Somnia, and other talented women from the night’s lineup, the room erupted into a full chorus singalong. It was the perfect closing moment—joyful, inclusive, and celebratory.
Though I regrettably had to leave before the DJ set by Wee Lou and Deborah Love, I have no doubt the energy continued long into the night, riding the high set by the evening’s phenomenal live acts.
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Written by Niamh Maclennan
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