Belle And Sebastian performed ‘If You’re Feeling Sinister’ in full at Barcelona’s Poble Espanyol, marking the 30th anniversary of the record that helped define their career. The Glasgow band drew a crowd eager to revisit the music of their youth, as its gentle melodies and bittersweet lyrics resonated throughout the night.
Part of the Barts Festival, the concert saw Stuart Murdoch and his bandmates play the entire album in sequence, showing how well its themes have endured. Songs like ‘Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying’ and ‘Like Dylan In The Movies’ prompted the audience to sway and dance. Understated rhythms and open guitar chords made for an intimate yet uplifting atmosphere. The performance set the band’s delicate sound against the emotional weight of lyrics about isolation and hope, as well as the complications of growing up.
Murdoch’s stage presence, complete with his trademark hat and light-hearted commentary, brought warmth to the evening. The setlist had its comic moments: he donned a horse mask for ‘Judy And The Dream Of Horses’. The arrangements also had room for organ and violin, with harmonica adding another layer. Bright, pop-infused melodies paired with introspective storytelling remain basic to the band’s appeal.
For many in attendance, the concert was more than a nostalgic trip. It brought back how ‘If You’re Feeling Sinister’ gave voice to those who felt out of place in a world that often celebrates bravado over vulnerability. The album’s exploration of doubt and ability to recover continues to strike a chord. Its search for connection still resonates, especially with listeners who once found solace in its candor. The crowd’s response, from quiet reflection during ‘The Fox In The Snow’ to exuberant participation in ‘The Boy With The Arab Strap’, reflected the album’s lasting impact.
After playing the anniversary album, Belle And Sebastian extended the night with a selection of other favorites, including ‘I Want The World To Stop’. Fans joined the band on stage for a spontaneous celebration. The evening’s atmosphere stood apart from more contentious stories making headlines in Spain, including ongoing legal disputes involving public figures. Silvia Intxaurrondo’s court case with RTVE has recently drawn national attention, reflecting the range of cultural and social issues shaping the country.
Belle And Sebastian’s Poble Espanyol performance reaffirmed the group’s place in indie music and created a space for sincerity and vulnerability. Their music remains part of Spain’s cultural field, where international acts meet local stories for audiences of all ages.
Released in 1996, ‘If You’re Feeling Sinister’ quickly became a touchstone for indie pop, influencing a generation of musicians and listeners. Its themes of alienation and hope have kept it relevant for decades, and its anniversary tour has drawn enthusiasm across Europe. Poble Espanyol, on Montjuïc at Avinguda de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13, is an established Barcelona concert and cultural venue near Espanya metro station.
The Barts Festival’s 2026 edition ran from 28 June to 25 July. Poble Espanyol is also part of the festival’s announced 2027 programme, with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Jack Johnson scheduled to perform there. Jack Johnson’s concert is set for 12 July, with tickets listed from €71.60. The venue’s recurring place in the festival puts the anniversary performance within Barcelona’s broader summer concert calendar.
