Haight Ashbury

Haight Ashbury

Haight Ashbury are a Glasgow trio making psychedelic-tinged folk, acid folk and soft rock with indie and neo-psychedelic elements. The group features dual female vocalists and multi-instrumentalists Kirsty Reid and Jennifer Thomson, alongside guitarist Scott Reid. Their sound combines close vocal harmonies, bluesy and psychedelic guitar, bass, and sparse percussion, with a dark undertone set against 1960s-influenced songwriting.

Style and line-up

The band is known for a blend of hippy rock, folk and psychedelic pop, often framed by haunting vocals and a fuller stage sound than a three-piece might suggest. Descriptions of their music highlight ethereal melodies, reverby snare patterns, and guitar work rooted in the era of the summer of love, while still using those influences to make songs that sound contemporary rather than purely retro.

Critical reception

Press descriptions consistently place the group among Glasgow’s more original emerging bands. Their performances are noted for strong close harmonies, simple arrangements used effectively, and songs that balance light and dark textures. Individual tracks such as Don't Let Your Music Die and Freelove are singled out for their psychedelic feel and strong melodic writing.

Background

The name refers to San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district, reflecting the group’s interest in 1960s counterculture and psychedelic music. The band is associated with Scottish alternative and female-vocalist scenes, and their work attracts comparisons with harmony-led psychedelic pop as well as folk-rock and soft-rock traditions.