Words by Olivia Ross
Following the release of their third EP ‘Applesauce’, indie-pop sibling duo Esme Emerson open their debut headline tour with a show full of warmth, wit, and captivating musicianship at Glasgow’s The Poetry Club.
From the moment the band launch into the sugary-sweet pop of ‘Together’, Esme and Emerson Lee Scott set the tone for the night. Marked by its honeyed vocals and understated charm, the track instantly pulls the audience into their playful world, quickly making it clear that this wasn’t just a gig; it was a shared moment between band and audience. The room settle into the music naturally, heads nodding, smiles forming.
From this moment on, Esme Emerson’s ease on stage is infectious. Ever the engaging duo, they keep the atmosphere light throughout the show with their captivating mix of glowing charisma and playful energy. “Does anyone know if you’re meant to eat spicy food before you sing?” Esme asks, half-laughing. “It felt wrong.” This kind of casual banter gives the night a sense of closeness—you can feel the family dynamic within the band, and why it just works.
But while fan favourites like ‘Fade Out’ and ‘Show You (Truck Song)’ prove just how much fans already cherish Esme Emerson’s growing catalogue, the set also introduces new material that lands just as powerfully. ‘Normal’ was an immediate standout thanks to its rich acoustic guitars and steady, grounding rhythm which wraps the room in a warm, nostalgic hush. There is no chatter, no distractions, just a collective stillness as everyone stands fully present, feeling every note.
This sense of calm carries into the duo’s stripped-back version of ‘Stay’, softening the room even further. “If people want to shake it during this, please do,” Emerson quips. “Actually, I demand it,” Esme chimes in. But given the track’s gentle pacing, the crowd respond not with movement, but with quiet attention, drawn into another beautiful moment of peaceful intimacy.
It is in these softer, more delicate moments that Esme Emerson’s artistry truly shines. The duo doesn’t need theatrics or volume to command a room, they thrive on sincerity, nuance, and a deep connection with their audience. As they repeatedly prove throughout the night, it’s often the gentlest moments that carry the most weight.
Soon after closing their set with ‘Too Far Gone’, a song bursting with love, energy, and the kind of joy that lingers long after the final note, Esme Emerson offer a final masterclass in balancing humour and harmony, intimacy and impact. With smiles wide and bodies swaying, you can feel the mutual gratitude flowing between performer and audience.
What begins with quiet charm and playful intimacy ends with an outpouring of connection and unfiltered emotion. The pair’s ability to shift seamlessly between humour and heartache; softness and strength, creates a set that not only feels cohesive but also deeply personal. It’s a heartfelt, memorable beginning to what promises to be an exciting chapter for the sibling duo.
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