Edinburgh’s Sneaky Pete’s is just one of the independent music venue gems dotted around the country. It has a sense of community, a place you can go on your own, and with a capacity of 90 there’s the opportunity to chat to the bands after the gig. 2024 has been a stellar year for the club. Here are 12 of the best shows in Sneaky Petes in 2024.
Adult DVD
The Leeds electronic party animals were always going to struggle to fit on the stage, but fit they did! The 6-piece include guitars and drums as well synths and a ton of electronica. A dancey, bouncey, bobbing vibe ensured that everyone left that night with the biggest grin. Adult DVD released their debut EP Next Day Shipping in 2024. One to watch for 2025.
Highlight track: Doomsday Prepper
Girlband!
The Nottingham rock trio brought the thrilling vocals of lead singer Georgie to the Club and wowed everyone who was there. Releasing their debut EP Heartbreak Town in 2024 it’s clear this band are the real deal. Already announced for Bearded Theory in May, I’ll see you down the front.
Highlight Track: 21st Century Suffragette
Lip Critic
New York’s Lip Critic first played in Sneakys to around 35 people in November 2023. The attendance was more than double that for their return visit this year, buoyed no doubt by their debut album release on Partisan Records Hex Critic. Their mix of hardcore, electronica, dance music and punk creates an exhilarating spectacle live, helped by two drummers and wild performance. The energy in the room was electrifying. A gig of the year no question.
Highlight Track: The Heart
Midnight Ambulance
Early in the year Midnight Ambulance played a sold out show at Sneakys and it was a night to remember. Drummer and lead singer Amelia along with guitarist Fraser are the core of the band who came together during lockdown thanks to the technology that allowed them to create music even though residing in different countries. Difficult to describe is always a compliment for a band but with striking vocals and guitar riffs to die for as well as drums at the forefront, Midnight Ambulance enhance their audiences with their breath-taking soundscapes.
Highlight Track: Rust
Problem Patterns
Belfast’s punk quartet Problem Patterns blasted onto the stage at a sold out Sneakys and thrilled the crowd. The have quite rightly received critical acclaim for their debut album Blouse Club released on Alcopop Records!. Their music is matched by the skill onstage, an ability to switch instruments as well as lead singer duties showcase the talent and connection of the 4-piece who also inspire with their lyrics.
Highlight Track: Big Shouty
Radio Free Alice
Radio Free Alice generated an unusual sight at Sneakys, literally a queue of people wanting to shake their hands and say thank you before the band had even left the stage. The Australian’s match a charismatic presence onstage with music which is very much their own thing in this post-punk world. The hint of an album in the not too distant future will no doubt give them the wilder recognition they undoubtedly deserve.
Highlight Track: 2010
rEDOLENT
Scotlands own rEDOLENT released their debut album dinny greet to critical acclaim this year. Indeed it won Scottish Album of the Year at the SAY awards. The album launch show at Sneaky Petes was an emotional affair. The band were buzzing and led by brothers Danny and Robin Herbert there was much jumping around on stage. rEDOLENT combine drum and bass beats with lyrics describing the everyday. Dance music at its very finest and a privilege to share the celebration of the release of their debut album.
Highlight Track: nothing bad will ever happen to me
San Jose
When the kids are given the run of the place in Sneakys it creates some of the best nights. Glasgow based San Jose I first encountered supporting Hotel Lux at McChuils in Glasgow. And once seen never forgotten. Extraordinary performers with a fervent fan base it was always going to be rowdy in Sneaky Petes. With only a handful of singles to their name to date that is sure to change in 2025. Watch this space to see what happens next. It’s sure to be an unpredictable and thoroughly entertaining ride.
Highlight Track: Self Help
Shelf Lives
The Canadian-British duo released their second EP this year, No Idea. Let’s be clear, Shelf Lives don’t have a “we’re just going to slow things down” moment during a gig. Their music is for the moshpit, the dancefloor, the rave and in your ears at full blast. The energy is insane and resulted in a very sweaty night in Sneaky Petes.
Highlight Track: Skirts & Salads
Spiritual Cramp
Californian punksters Spiritual Cramp fleshed out their music with high octane rock n rock. A wild set at Sneaky Petes was interspersed by the best banter by lead singer Mike Bingham. One big party was had by all, and the disappointment in the room when it came to its inevitable end was completely genuine.
Please note this video is from a 2023 performance in Mono, Glasgow
Highlight Track: Talkin’ On The Internet
Talk Show
There are bands that you keep missing live for one reason and another and to finally see Talk Show and for it to be in Sneaky Petes was an utter joy. The exuberance is thrilling and the mayhem never stops. In small rooms like this to see bands up close and personal is just exhilarating. Frontman Harrison Swann is a charismatic performer who just cannot take your eyes off. Talk Show released their debut album Effigy in 2024. I just hope its not too long before they tour again.
Highlight Track: Leather
Yard
Yard had played Sneaky Petes earlier in the year as part of the Stag and Dagger festival in the city in the spring. They returned for a support slot and even though it wasn’t a busy room, the trio gave it their all as you suspect they do for every set. A mix of techno and punk this is dance music in the real sense of the word. The beats are euphoric and pulsating, and to dance like no-one watching was the mantra for the night.
Highlight Track: Bend
For more information on Sneaky Petes please check the website and instagram.