The Highlands welcomed a new name to its live music scene on Tuesday 30 December as Oasness launched themselves in emphatic style with their first ever performance at An Seomar.
From the moment doors opened, it was clear this was not going to be a tentative debut, but a night built with intention, confidence and an understanding of exactly what Oasis fans want from a live show.
As house music gave way to Underworld’s Born Slippy, a knowing nod to Oasis’s own Murrayfield walk-on earlier this year, the packed room buzzed with anticipation as the lights dropped and the iconic “this is not a drill” Close Encounters speech rolled out across the venue.
When Fkin’ in the Bushes hit, any lingering doubt vanished instantly, and by the time Oasness launched straight into Hello without introduction or ceremony, the room was already theirs.
That opening line, perfectly chosen, felt like a handshake between band and crowd, as the Highlands’ own Oasis tribute announced itself with authority rather than apology.
What followed was a meticulously delivered run through the Oasis Live 25 setlist, played with precision, swagger and an obvious love for the source material, as Hello gave way to Acquiesce and the momentum never once dipped.
The band understood when to push and when to let the crowd carry the moment, creating that elusive sense of shared ownership which defines the best tribute performances.
The encore elevated the night from excellent to unforgettable, with The Masterplan landing with real emotional weight before a euphoric Champagne Supernova closed the set to rapturous applause.
The crowd played its part brilliantly throughout, but the standout moment came during Cigarettes and Alcohol when the entire venue turned in unison for a Poznan that sent a shiver through the room.
Eagle-eyed fans will have noticed a cut-out of Steve Clark positioned behind guitarist James Reade, a thoughtful Scottish counterpart to Oasis’s own Pep Guardiola cut-out that followed them on tour, and a detail that showed just how deeply considered the performance was.
Vocally, Graeme captured Liam’s unmistakable snarl and attitude with conviction, while brother Paul’s backing vocals nailed the familiar Noel and Liam blend that Oasis fans know so well.
The rhythm section of Jack on drums and Kevin on bass drove the set relentlessly forward, locking in tightly and giving the songs the weight and urgency they demand.
Jim and Paul’s guitar work aligned seamlessly, recreating that unmistakable wall of sound, with Jim in particular delivering standout solo moments that lifted the performance throughout.
What made the night all the more remarkable was the fact this was Oasness’s first ever gig, with a level of confidence and musicianship that suggested a band far further along its journey.
Oasness did not simply launch themselves on Tuesday night, they made a statement, and if this debut is anything to go by, the Highlands may have just gained one of its most exciting live acts.
