Pale Waves Left Us in “Glasgow”

Manchester based rock band Pale Waves just dropped their newest single “Glasgow,” previewing their upcoming fourth album, Smitten.

Previously dropping their single “Perfume,” “Glasgow” is the second track released of Pale Waves’ next album Smitten which is set to appear on September 20, 2024. Founded in 2014, when lead singer Heather Baron-Gracie met drummer Ciara Doran at university in Manchester and later joined by bassist Charlie Wood and Hugo Silvani on the guitar, Pale Waves released three EPs and three albums, My Mind Makes Noises, Who Am I? and Unwanted, soon joined by their fourth one, Smitten.

“Glasgow” is a bittersweet breakup song. About it, Heather said,

“Glasgow is my favourite from Smitten. It’s about leaving someone because you know it’s no good for either of you anymore. It somehow breaks my heart but also makes me feel euphoric at the same time.”

~ Heater Baron-Gracie

With her angelic voice, Heather sings about leaving her lover in Glasgow and how difficult it was for her to let go. She was overwhelmed by her emotions to a point where she was in tears on her way home. Her partner’s brother,whom she met at the start of the summer, warned her about them.

“One glass of wine and somehow you changed”

~ “Glasgow”

This line could be interpreted as her partner having problems with alcohol, or her seeing her partner in a different light under the influence of alcohol. Either way, Heather goes on to sing about how their relationship was beyond repair and how she wondered if running away was a mistake.

Alongside the single, Pale Waves released a music video featuring Heather in a wedding dress. She drives along the idyllic country roads of England in her old Mazda Miata, presumably away from Glasgow, where she left her lover.

Watch the official music video to “Glasgow” below

“Glasgow” masterfully combines the feelings of sadness and confusion that come with a breakup, as well as the euphoria of freeing oneself from such a situation.

Don’t miss out on Pale Waves’ TOUR throughout the UK and Japan later this year.

Stream “Glasgow” today, available on all major listening platforms