GLASGOW’S music venues were bustling a lot earlier than normal last weekend as the Tenement Trail festival took over the reins.

The day-long event showcased some of the best acts coming out of Scotland right now, jamming them all into Saturday’s bill across the six city-centre venues.

It was almost impossible to catch every band you fancied seeing, and despite there being two of us running about all day, we still couldn’t quite fit them all in.

Although we missed some cracking acts such as Dundee favourites Vladimir and the up-and-coming The Bar Dogs, who we heard from some very reputable sources were both brilliant, the day more than delivered on quality acts.

We take a look at some of the highlights, picking out some emerging acts who are definitely worth checking out.

Laura St Jude

Hidden away beneath the hustle of Sauchiehall Street in Nice N Sleazy, a modest crowd was gathered for Laura St Jude’s headlining set.

While many were understandably drawn to the prospect of WHITE closing the Art School, those who resisted the temptation to catch Laura and her band were shown just why hers is the name on so many lips at the moment.

Backed by her excellent band, she proved the perfect frontwoman, her gentle tones and clever lyrics drifting over the top of the dark brooding musical tones.

There is no doubt that the set put together by the band is far from the most exciting or lively out there. It is, however, strangely captivating, dragging you in and refusing to let go, with Laura herself one of the most unique vocalists in Scotland at the moment.

Having only released one Double A-Side to date, the brilliant Your’s to Destroy and I Can’t Stop Loving You, it will be very exciting to see what comes next from the Glasgow singer.

Sinderins

Dundee nu-folk act Sinderins garnered a sizeable crowd for their early slot at Broadcast and despite their acoustic set-up, there was a sense of drive and passion to their performance.

Delicate vocal harmonies were counterpointed by psychedelic motifs and powerful rhythms, particularly on their signature track The Pigeon Song.

Formerly known as Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher after the band’s five members, they recently rebranded themselves with the more bitesize name Sinderins.

The announcement of a headline show at Dundee’s Gardyne Theatre in December shows the name change seems to be paying off, especially with the release of their new album just around the corner.

Be Charlotte

Be Charlotte, featuring Audrey Tait from Hector Bizerk on drums, were the closest thing to a hip hop act on the final bill. Amid a minimalist three-piece set-up, vocalist Charlotte Brimner was given room to showcase her vocal talents.

At points she even flowed competently as an emcee, her Dundonian brogue chiming in alongside Tait’s insistent rhythms. The switch between singing and rapping was yet another direct example of how Scotland’s musical communities have intermingled.

In Brimner’s case, her sung melodies are admittedly more impressive though, displaying both a raw talent and surprising maturity, providing another example of the great music coming out of Dundee at the minute.

Declan Welsh

The East Kilbride singer-songwriter has become a bit of a favourite of The National music team, but his early-afternoon set still managed to seriously impress. Taking to the stage with a swagger and confidence that has always been present, there was something a bit different in his Tenement performance.

Maybe it is that Welsh has finally found his winning formula, his recently found bandmates all blending perfectly, impressing from the very first note played.

With Welsh’s witty lyrics slotting in above the ferocious indie guitars, there was no shortage of killer material.

Last Saturday’s performance evoked memories of an early Arctic Monkeys, if not with a slightly more political edge, and a much more west coast accent.

Best of the Rest

Nominated in the SAMA’s category for Best Electronic, Our Future Glory have finally begun to make a dent in the last year or so. Their energetic brand of synthpop went over well during their early evening slot, but realistically, their dramatic sound demands to be heard on a bigger stage.

Glasgow trio Tribal High brought funky indie vibes at Flat 0/1 that were reminiscent of compatriots such as the Mickey 9’s. Despite the clear focus on recognisable refrains and punchy lyrics, not unlike the 9’s, the three-pieces staccato riffs and vocal harmonies are more immediate and accessible.

It would be impossible to review the day without including a few words on WHITE, who very much took the slot of headliners in their stride. The band’s electro pop sound was perfectly suited to the Art School venue and had the crowd dancing in no time. Front man was Leo was confident as you like, and why wouldn’t he be? A band well on the road to much bigger things.

Given the task of finishing off the day’s proceedings with a midnight set at the sweatbox which was Flat 0/1, Crash Club lived up to every bit of their billing. The band played the hour long set, barely stopping for breath, as the crowd packed into the Bath Street venue bounced along. Dance music with elements of indie and rock n roll, all wrapped up with an enthralling live show. What’s not to love?