Kneecap @ Barrowlands, Glasgow, 16 Nov
After a year that saw their first studio album and a feature film, West Belfast rap trio Kneecap hit the Barrowlands in all their unapologetic, chaotic glory
Kneecap’s identity as a band is inseparable from its politics, and tonight things are no different. The West Belfast trio's use of language is explicitly political, their lyrics being roughly half in English and half in Irish, and tracks like C.E.A.R.T.A. push against the historic repression of the Irish language. Kneecap’s work can be viewed within this context, with their music gaining significant traction during the successful political campaign to have Irish officially protected in Northern Ireland in 2022. The band capitalises on their native language, bringing it to a mostly Gen Z audience.
The atmosphere at the Barrowlands is rowdy with both young and old attendees being brought together under the banner of Irish patriotism. Some are dressed in green football shirts from both sides of the Irish sea, others opt for Shamrock bucket hats, and a few individuals choose to brave the Glaswegian winter in little more than a balaclava – in Irish tricolour of course.
The front row at Kneecap's Barrowlands show. Photo by Marilena Vlachopoulou
Following their commitment to anti-imperialist values, Kneecap's intro features text acknowledging the UK government’s complicity in the ongoing genocide in the Gaza strip. Chants of ‘free Palestine’ are heard throughout the venue followed by the trio walking on stage, throwing the audience into a relentless set of bass-heavy belters. Kneecap manage to keep the energy up throughout the entire set, working the crowd when needed with chants celebrating the death of former Prime Minister Marget Thatcher and encouraging the crowd to open mosh pits – not that they need much encouragement.
Alternating between the better tracks from their 2024 album and fan favourite singles, the trio deliver a well balanced setlist leaving the best until last, with H.O.O.D sending the audience into one last frenzy before disappearing into the night, presumably reappearing at the ticketed afterparty down the road. Kneecap offers their favourite venue a well thought out and entertaining performance, making it clear to all in attendance that the three bandmates love what they do.