Tag Archives: Manchester

CROCODILES. Soup Kitchen, Manchester 17th May 2019.

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How do you write about a band that you have seen 11 times live without repeating yourself? Who cares! Friday night was my 11th time seeing my buddies, Crocodiles and they played my absolute favourite venue in Manchester- the Soup Kitchen. It’s a sweaty and dark basement venue; just how it should be.

End of April 2009, Crocodiles released their debut record. A record I bought by accident on the day it came out and since then, I’ve just fallen in love with everything they’ve done since. Every record has blown me away, and every show has done the same.

However, there is something truly special about their shows in Manchester that stand out. This was my 3rd time seeing them in Manchester, and I just love how you can see how much this beautiful city means to Brandon and Charlie. There was even a nod to local hero, Pete Shelley with their Buzzcocks cover which I’m sure he would have been proud of.

I stood directly in front of Charlie, and was in awe of his pedal set-up. It’s a piece of art, and he swings his guitar around like a machine gun whilst looking like a young Scott Walker. Brandon and Charlie have this way of just changing how you feel about their music when you see them live, and it is always a wonderful thing to witness. They are just of the most talented people I’ve ever met, and they just put their all into their shows.

 

You can’t help but shift your eyes across the stage to watch them all annihilate the stage. Brandon sings with this passion that is just astounding, and Charlie matches it with his effortlessly cool way of using his guitar as a weapon. As cliched as it is, they are just the coolest cats around, and it just shines through perfectly in their songs and their live shows.

The energy in the crowd is typical of a Manchester crowd, and just an absolute pleasure to be part of. The love that Crocodiles have for this city is just admirable, and something us fans here truly treasure. They feed off the crowd, and this crowd were reciprocating it. 10 years in, and they are still making music to lose your shit to. Songs like I Wanna Kill and Marquis De Sade, and new songs such as Exit My Head come more alive. I can’t ever get enough of hearing I Wanna Kill, and the crowd are the same. It’s one of those songs that just do something to you, and once you hear it. It’s an anthem.

Crocodiles are a band that you just don’t ever get tired of listening to, and watching. They have this way of just making you forget the real world for the time they are on stage. They make you want to start a band, they make you want to always be in the moment of being at a live show. As a fan, this is what I absolutely adore about music and how powerful it is. Also, Brandon and I had Bad Brains shirts on which anyone else would regard as a wardrobe clash. However for this, it’s just two people who love one of the best bands ever!

There’s a good balance of songs from all of their records, and sure I’d want them to play all of them but hey- that’s too much, I know! This was my first time seeing them on my own, and as someone who suffers with depression and anxiety I full on prepared myself to have some form of panic attack. I was wrong, I just felt totally safe at this show. Trivial I know, but small things like this help. Anyway, smushy stuff aside- it was just a brilliant show.

 

They are a band that just need to be seen live. Their live shows allow you to see even moreso just how fantastic they are. If I could, I’d see them on every tour at every date. But shows like Friday’s in Manchester are treasured dearly.

Crocodiles new record, Love Is Here is out now and they have 2 more UK dates left before a couple of shows in Paris this week.

 

DR CHAN: The Peer Hat, Manchester 3rd May 2019.

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It’s obvious how much I love French Garage Rock Gods, Dr Chan. Any chance to write about them or tell someone about them, I’ll do it. You know when you hear something, and you can’t help but think, “Yep, this is the band for me.” Well, that’s what I got from them a couple of years ago when my obsession began.

I last saw Dr Chan live last year in London at the Lock Tavern. It was the last show I attended before I left that city and moved to Manchester. A move that I should have done years and years ago. It was the last show I went to, and it was the perfect way to leave that city. The room was packed and full of love; it was just a brilliant show. Last night, there was no more than 10 of us watching them. I don’t even think it got to double figures. I felt bad for the band because I know just how brilliant they are, and how they are the best at what they do. It didn’t dishearten the band though, they still played as if the room was full.

They blazed through songs from Southside Suicide and Squire. I’m pretty sure that these are my most played records. I love how they just take you somewhere with their music, and give you that opportunity to zone out and forget everything. Yesterday I had a pretty stressful day, but as soon as Dr Chan hit the stage- I was calm again.

I really loved hearing the songs off their most recent record, Squire, last night. Growing Up is probably my favourite off that record and it’s an absolute joy to see live. They play with this effortlessly cool stance, and you can tell how much they love doing it. When you get that from a band, you know that you have found something really beautiful. It’s just an absolute pleasure to watch them.

Dr Chan make the kind of music that I’d want to make. It’s a raw Garage Rock sound, and they are unafraid to really push their sound. For instance, their record Southside Suicide sounds nothing like Squire- but you still know it is them. They have a distinct sound, but aren’t afraid to change it up. They do this so well in their live shows, and as sad as I am that not many of us were there last night, I’m just happy that they played a show here in Manchester. They’re playing the Shacklewell Arms in London tonight I think, and if I still lived there- I’d have been right at the front again.

There’s a handful of bands I love that I would happily go see live every night, and Dr Chan are easily one of them. On record they are brilliant, but something remarkable happens during their live shows. They transform songs like The Sinner and Bloody No$e into something else live, and it’s just a pleasure to watch.

For me, I can easily say that Dr Chan are one of the best bands I’ve seen live and are most certainly one of my favourite bands in general. I love how they can take you to the streets of Paris or make you feel like you’re hanging out at a skatepark. They’ve got something about them that comforts you within the lyrics (this is really apparent on the Squire record) and the music alone just does something to you. Alexin is a great song-writer, and to see the growth into their new record is just astounding.

I can’t tell you enough just how great they are. My only advice is, listen to them and if you see that they are playing a venue near you- go see them!

THE COATHANGERS: Soup Kitchen, Manchester 29th April 2019.

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The Coathangers have been around for a hell of a long time, and it is no surprise that they are one of the best bands around- live and on record. Last night they played one of Manchester’s best venues, the Soup Kitchen. It was the perfect venue for this band. In a dark and sweaty basement was a lot of noise brewing and it was sublime.

The band are made up of three exceptional musicians who swap instruments for a couple of songs during the set- this alone sets them apart from others, and shows just how effortlessly brilliant they are. If you are wanting a solid Garage Rock sound mixed with something to straight up blow your mind, then you need to see The Coathangers live. There is something about their live shows that leaves you wanting more and more.

Something I really love about The Coathangers is that some of their songs have a relaxed feel to it, like Warpaint but then you’ve got those heavier songs like Crimson Telephone (which is amazing live) reminds me of LA Witch. What I’m getting at is, The Coathangers are a band that you’ve just got to invest in. Buy the records, go to their shows. There is something about their live shows that have a Bikini Kill feel to it- rowdy, inspiring and wonderful.

Personally, my favourite song to hear last night was Perfume. I just really, really love that song and it was just perfect to see live.

Hey Buddy is sung by Stephanie who whilst singing, is beating the shit out of the drums. I have massive respect for anyone who can drum and sing at the same time. Stephanie does it in a way that makes you wish you could do it. It’s again, another brilliant moment in their set. They just make you wish you could play like them. They truly are a phenomenal band, who just make you wish you could follow them on tour.

Meredith is such a mesmerising bass player. She’s got this effortlessly cool way of executing brutal basslines, especially on Stranger Danger. She just annihilates it. Julia is also hypnotic, she can sing soft and she can really hit you in the gut with her vocals. It is perfectly evened out with Stephanie’s vocals. Their vocals are opposite, and they work so well but it all comes together in unison on F The NRA, which is one of their most important songs. It’s a real gnarly Punk song that needs to be played and heard as loudly as possible. I love how hardly anyone had their phones out to record songs or take photos, everyone was just in the moment and it was truly beautiful to see.

With their sixth record released in March, it is safe to say that The Coathangers are exceptional, hard-working and one of the most exciting bands around. They play songs from most of their records, and everyone goes nuts for it. There is no denying how talented they are, and how loved they are. They are truly one of the most exciting bands around, and can still make you feel like you’re discovering them for the first time with every single listen.

It was an absolute honour and pleasure to finally see them live last night, and I doubt it’ll be my last time.

VIVA THE COATHANGERS!

SUEDE: Albert Hall, Manchester. 19th & 20th April 2019.

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Over the weekend, I finally got to see a band who I have adored since I first heard them in 1993. It was Animal Nitrate that got me. I was only 7 years old, but I remember being in absolute awe of Brett Anderson. Everything about him just had me hooked. His voice, the way he moved and the way he looked. A few years later I had the same experience when I heard Garbage for the first time. I wanted to be Shirley Manson.

Suede were my childhood, and their music has been my everything ever since. I never thought they’d be a band that I would see live, let alone two nights in a row. How do you prepare yourself to see a band that you’ve grown up with and have been your world? Quite simply, you don’t. What you do is bawl like a baby as soon as they set foot on to the stage. Which is what my girlfriend and I did. Suede is the band that are ours, and to finally see a band that we love together was just incredible.

There is no denying that Brett is an exceptional frontman. The energy he has and the way he moves puts newer bands to shame. He leaps across the stage like a gazelle, and has the voice of an angel. Known for going into the crowd during some songs, he has his shirt ripped both nights. He sings the songs with such importance, as the torn fabric of his shirt is swaying to the breeze of the on-stage fan behind him. He lassoes his mic around him, and above the crowd like a ringleader. He then wraps it around his body and neck; he does it in a way that has him grinning directly at Simon (the exceptional drummer) and it is just the most beautiful moment between the two.

Why did we go two nights in a row? Well, I convinced myself that the set list would be different. I’m hardly ever right, but thankfully I was this time. Although they could perform the alphabet and I’d still think it was the best thing ever. Let me just explain to you why night one was out of this world:

  • Acoustic version of Mistress
  • Sleeping Pills (I cried a lot during this)
  • The Drowners
  • It Starts And Ends With You.

How is that for back to back Suede gold? Absolutely perfect. It was my version of Christmas. So how was night two going to compete? Acoustic versions of She’s In Fashion and The Wild Ones (I bawled my eyes out to this.) The Wild Ones is one of the most gorgeous songs ever written, and to hear it in this stripped back way was so overwhelming in the most beautiful way possible. Both nights were truly magical, and just reinforced my love for this brilliant band. Nothing and no one compares to them, and two nights of seeing them just wasn’t enough. I need more, I want more.

They played one of, if not the best venue in Manchester- the Albert Hall. An old church with its stained glass windows. There was something about this venue that made the shows out of this world. The band all looked in awe of their surroundings, with Brett occasionally hitting his heart to show his appreciation.

The crowd was wonderful. Every single song was sung back as if you were in a stadium, and songs like Trash and We Are The Pigs were screamed back at the band in a way that just oozes sheer devotion, love and obsession. You can truly see how much the band love each other, their fans and playing live. They are easily one of the best bands I have ever seen live. I had no idea what to expect from the shows, but it’s claimed a large piece of my heart for sure.

The shows end with Beautiful Ones and the gorgeous Life Is Golden (a song which is for Brett’s son.) To see people sing the words back at Brett to Life Is Golden is truly something else. He steps into the crowd, and clings onto the fans as he sings “You’re never alone” is so precious and something that stays with you.

These two shows were some of the greatest ones I’ve ever been to. For sentimental value, it’s easily one of the most important and the songs played were heavenly. It felt like an almost religious experience, and is something I am going to remember and treasure for a hell of a long time.

AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS: The Deaf Institute, Manchester. 6th April 2019.

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“I’m poor, I’m broke, but I’m just fine.”

You know how the world and its mother insists that they were at the Sex Pistols gig decades and decades ago at the Lesser Free Trade Hall? Well, tonight at The Deaf Institute, Amyl and The Sniffers gave off that feeling- this was a gig that EVERYONE wanted to be at. I feel bad for those who didn’t see that their set was at half 8, and walked in just as their show was coming to an end.

I was right at the back, but I saw it all. I was right at the back and not near speakers, but I can’t hear properly. That alone makes it a brilliant show. As someone who has panic attacks a fair amount, I was convinced this would be the reason why I wouldn’t be able to make the show tonight. But I went. No hint of anxiety was there, and amongst a room full of sweaty strangers- I felt safe. I was in my own world. I needed this. I needed to witness this beautiful form of chaos and see a band that I absolutely adore, for the first time.

The first thing I want to talk about is their cover of Deceptacon by Le Tigre. A song that is just obviously one of the best. Le Tigre mean a lot to me, anything Kathleen Hanna does means a lot to me. She’s a fucking goddess, and seeing Amyl and The Sniffers put this song in their set tonight gave me that feeling I got when I first heard Kathleen Hanna’s voice.

The first thing you notice about Amyl and The Sniffers is their energy. If you’re feeling a bit shitty, go to one of their shows or just listen to their music. It’ll do something to you that nothing else will. This gig tonight was truly something else, and I don’t think any band has ever ripped The Deaf Institute apart like this before. There was a mosh pit immediately, Amy stage dived a few times, she handed the mic around to the crowd (one lucky person made it on stage to sing with her for a few seconds before security clocked on.) It was a show that made you feel some type of way. It made you feel alive, and I know that sounds so corny but it really gave you that intense feeling. I love how Amy has this massive grin on her face the whole time. You can tell that they all love playing shows so much, and it truly shows on their faces and the way they all play with this strong and united energy, which flows right into the crowd instantly.

70s Street Munchies was one of my many highlights. It’s easily my favourite song by them, but seeing it live just hyped the song up even more for me. I love how Amyl and The Sniffers are such a strong Punk band yet they don’t make it feel clichéd or make it sound like something we’ve all heard before. They’re doing it their way, and it’s nothing short of perfect. Westgate and Mole (Sniff Sniff) were intense and brilliant. New songs like Monsoon Rock were incredible. Monsoon Rock has this really brutal intro, it’s incredible. I’m Not A Loser and Stole My Push Bike saw everyone go totally nuts and lose their shit. I loved, LOVED Balaclava Lover Boogie so much. I love how this song has this almost Funk rhythm to it- for me, Amy’s vocals on this are my favourite, easily. She has this way of screaming the songs at you but they do not have any hints of intimidation to it. You listen. You listen intensely, and shout the words back. You cannot take your eyes off the band, they are all just a sheer joy to watch, and will leave you wishing, “I wish I could do that.”

They may have only been making music together for a couple of years, but if you heard them and knew nothing about them- you’d have thought that they have been together for decades and are either as band that spilled out of New York in the 70s, or were part of the Riot Grrrl movement in the 90s. What I’m getting at is basically, they take everything I am in love with about music and just blow your mind. They’re like the Ramones meets Bikini Kill, but at the same time they are just unlike anything else.

On record they blow your mind, but live they absolutely burst your eardrums. Tonight’s show in Manchester was nothing short of rambunctious joy. Nobody was stood still at this show; as soon as the band came on stage there was this glorious roar in the crowd, and that energy went straight into the band.

Of all the shows I’ve been to, I really don’t think I’ve seen this much energy in a room before. I hope some people who were there left wanting to start their own band or movement. The atmosphere was nothing less than what I’d expect from a Manchester crowd. They’re the best crowd, always. There was just so much love and respect in the room, and it just added to the beauty of the show.

I really cannot praise Amyl and The Sniffers enough, and something tells me that this will not be the last time I go see this band. They leave you wishing you could be at their shows every night because sometimes, you just need that raw and rowdy feel from a show. They give you it, and a hell of a lot more. Drinks flew, items of clothing ended up on stage and hearing was probably lost by most of us. A memorable show, for sure.

Go see them. Stand at the back and soak up the atmosphere, or go right into the depths of the crowd and throw your body around with everyone else. Wherever you are, you’ll just feel part of this truly mind-blowing experience, and you’ll probably compare everything else you listen to or any show you go to, to them.

BLOND BLOOD: I’ve Never Surfed.

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We all know that Manchester is home to some of the greatest bands of all time, and to celebrate my 10 month anniversary of me finally leaving London and moving the best city in the world (Manchester!), I might as well write about one of the city’s most exciting bands.

When you think of Surf Rock bands, you think of bands that are constantly by the ocean and have never seen a rain cloud. Blond Blood are the opposite. This exceptional Manchester band are exposed to an unhealthy amount of grey skies and rain- but that doesn’t fill them with doom and gloom. If anything, it makes them bring this delightful joy. A summertime mood even when it is stupidly freezing outside and it’s dark before 5pm. Their music is brilliant, and last summer they released the utterly divine I’ve Never Surfed.

The songs on this record just make you want to waste your days away doing a whole load of nothing; either by yourself or with a group of friends who feel the same. Their song, No Fun has this beautiful Mancunian charm to it. It is brilliantly self-deprecating and to be honest, I can identify a lot with the lyrics on this one. I love how they can create this songs with partially sad lyrics, but they even it out with this beautiful and cheery sound. They are definitely a band that have to be seen live, there’s no doubt about that. I love how they have this L.A Surf/Garage Rock sound going on, but it still sounds like something you’ve never heard before. I think they are easily one of the most exciting bands around.

I’ve Never Surfed is such a feel good record, and it just makes you want to go on holiday for a long time. It’s the perfect record to do nothing to. Play it loud, lie on your bed and let your mind go somewhere peaceful. End Of The World is one of my favourite songs on the record, I just love the music to it. James Travolta is another exceptional song on the record. Basically, it’s made up of 12 fantastic songs that you just need to fall in love with.

Blond Blood just take you somewhere truly beautiful and magical with their music, and they have something about them that makes you feel like you are anywhere but where you are. They just make you feel like you’re on holiday, and I’m happy with that. They’re a band that definitely need to be played loud. I imagine that their live shows are nothing short of an incredible sweaty affair.

There are soft moments on the record, the song Don’t Kill Me is such a gorgeous song. I absolutely adore it. Then it kicks in, it really really kicks in. The heaviness to it reminds me of Silverchair mixed with Wavves. For me, that’s a dream combination. Have I said what my favourite song is yet? Well, it’s now this one. I love how it starts gentle, then it just slams into this heavy sound that erupts into something that just makes it standout out.

The record ends on the title track, which is 6 minutes of sheer joy and has this Western film feel to it. This song could easily be used as a soundtrack for a film- for either a brutal chase or fight scene. It just shows how brilliant they are as musicians. An effortlessly cool way to close the record.

I’ve Never Surfed is an incredible record, and Blond Blood are obviously one of the most exciting bands around. I really cannot wait to hear more from them.

PETE SHELLEY.

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Our heroes, in our eyes, are invincible. They never die. We expect them to live forever. We expect them to always be around so we have their words as a safety net. We take what they give us for granted, at times. But we adore them. We love them. We cling. In love, lust, pain, life and death- we cling, and we hope.

Over a week has passed since Pete Shelley from Buzzcocks left this world and went elsewhere. Pete Shelley created the songs that I identified with as I hit an age where I was solidly uncomfortable with who I was, and ashamed of what I was. A gay kid growing up in a place that wasn’t the most welcoming towards my kind. It’s improved now, but in my mind- it’s always there in the back of my head when I go back. Certain songs by Buzzcocks were the soundtrack to my self-doubt, my self-hate. Myself. As I got older, and a little bit wiser- the songs took another meaning for me. Now, we are without Pete and I’m unsure what to do.

 

 

Buzzcocks were EASILY the best Punk band from the UK. They came from the greatest city in the world, and a city I am so proud to now call home- Manchester. Pete created songs that made you feel less alone as you fell into the cruel depths of unrequited lust and love. If he could get out from it- so could you. He was that best mate that you’d go down the pub with, and talk about these woes with. That’s how he made you feel. He made you feel less alone, and less strange for carrying these feelings around. His words were poetry. Words for the soul, words to mend the heart. Words to soothe the mind. His words came from a place that hit you right in the gut. For me, there is no denying that Pete Shelley was one of the greatest songwriters of all time- and criminally underrated. No one has ever written like him, and no one ever will. He had the ability to write about what hurts us in such a delicate and vital way. A proper poet.

I remember the first time I met my girlfriend. It was about 8 years ago. I wasn’t in the best place mentally, and I wasn’t the best person to her. I fell in love with her, but never let it on. She felt the same but I was a dickhead who was petrified of their own feelings, and in the process truly hurt someone I never meant to or wanted to hurt. Fortunately, I got my shit together and grew up, and we’ve been together now for 2 and a half years. But there was one line that stuck out more than anything. When she was with someone else, this line plagued my mind: “And if I start a commotion, I’ll only end up losing you and that’s worse.” If I spoke up sooner, I’d have saved us both from unnecessary hurt. But like I said, I’ve grown up and we’re both better now. These are the songs that find you, and you cannot help but cling to them. I clung on to that line for dear life. Things worked out though, finally.

A Different Kind Of Tension is my favourite song by Buzzcocks. I love the lyrics, and how they just show us how the world contradicts us and how expectations are always haunting us irrespective of our age and such. It’s a song that I hold very dear to me, and one I’ve used as a safety net many, many times.

It was the sheer tenderness and honesty that made me fall in love with Buzzcocks, and it is that same tenderness and honesty that made me love them even more as I got older. They were…are… a band that any and everyone can identify with.  Their music was genderless, and I loved that about them. They made us gay kids feel so safe with their music, and they spoke of things that we couldn’t find the words for. We have so much to thank Buzzcocks and Pete for, we really do.

 

 

If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have a lot of the bands we love and adore now. They changed everything. Not just for Manchester, not just for Punk, not just for us lost kids- but for everyone. The innocence and questioning in Pete’s lyrics, and the way he observed the world and portrayed what he saw was truly remarkable.

We cling, and we hope. Thank you, Pete x

THE VOIDZ: O2 Ritz, Manchester. 7th November 2018.

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If you’re ever wanting to see some of the world’s most talented musicians put on a show, then for your own sanity- go see The Voidz. Everything about the show last night was just utterly mind-blowing. It’s 7:40am and I’m going to try explain why this was one of the most inspiring and earth-shattering shows I’ve ever seen.

Let’s get it out the way first; The Voidz are fronted by the coolest person in the world, Julian Casablancas. However, if you are thinking it’s all about him then you’re dead wrong. The band is unreal, and left you wishing you could be as cool as them. So there you have it; it isn’t about Jules- it’s about the whole damn band. Oh and please stop assuming they are going to play a bunch of songs from The Strokes. Ain’t happening, kiddo. The Voidz have records that are eccentric and mind-blowing. They’ll fuck with your head, and that’s why you love them so.

They open the set with Leave It In My Dreams, and to be honest that just sets the tone for the whole set. It is full of this raw emotion that Jules conveys so well in his voice. His voice is so distinctive, and you just know it is him when you hear it. The way he can project it so it fills up the whole room is pretty damn spectacular. They blitz through the show with M.utually A.ssured D.estruction and Permanent High School most certainly being my favourite. But there’s something that needs touching on- Amir and Beardo.

If you’re ever looking for two guitarists to be left in awe of, then open your mind up to Amir and Beardo. The way they sound together is just nothing short of guitar heaven. I swear Beardo is the happiest person I have ever seen on stage. His smile and stage presence is a thing of beauty. He totally hams it up on stage, and you cannot help but grin like a total buffoon back at him. He’s absolutely mesmirising. Amir too, has the same quality. They both bounce off each other, and as Jules steps back from the stage- you truly notice what this band are about. They are loud, the songs are important and the way they sound together is just stunning. If I could think of my dream line-up, I’m pretty sure these guys would be it. The Voidz are the body of Punk, the soul of Punk and the heart of Punk. But they’re not a Punk band- they’re out there, and they aren’t afraid to truly push themselves.

There’s an improvised song early in the show when Jules spots a young kid in the audience. His concern for if the kid is old enough to be there, and if they have headphones on causes him to suggest that the kid shouldn’t be so close to the speakers. Anyway, if it was the first show that the kid had been to then they are pretty damn lucky.

For some of the shows they’ve mixed up the set which is pretty great, and the show last night was just a perfect set. The show ended on Human Sadness. But we were also treated to Black Hole and Dare I Care. Songs like Wink were greeted with such rapture. In fact, every song was.

There is something really remarkable about The Voidz and it truly comes to life at their shows. Alex is such a ferocious drummer, and you have Jeff and Jacob who add a calmness to the set. But don’t let that fool you. The Voidz, like I said, are made up of exceptional musicians. Musicians who know exactly how they want to sound and aren’t afraid to experiment and push themselves, and for me that’s what makes a band great. On record they are obviously perfect, by my god their live shows are out of this world.

The Voidz are loud, passionate and brutal. They aren’t coming for your blood, but just your undivided attention- which is pretty easy to give.

 

MELVINS: Manchester Academy 2. 28/10/2018.

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For as long as I can remember, I’ve idolised Melvins. I’ve always been in awe of their heavy sound and how they just make you constantly feel like you’re hallucinating or some weird shit. On Sunday night, I finally got to see them and after years of waiting- I can safely say it was worth the wait.

Melvins ripped apart the Academy on Sunday night. They easily could have sold out the main venue, but in Academy 2 which used to be a notorious sweatbox, they kept their cool and made you feel like you were in a huge arena with their sound and presence. There is something about Melvins that makes you want to pick up a guitar and just unleash a thousand furies upon anyone who will listen. Previously they’ve had two drummers- this time, we got two bassists. I’d have LOVED to have seen them with two drummers, but having two beasts on the bass was an equally brilliant experience. Oh, and Steven was wearing one of the best jackets I’ve ever seen!

The set did mainly consist of material from their newest record, Pinkus Abortion Technician which is a brutally heavy record and although I’ve not paid too much attention to the record- the live version of these songs just made me love the record a hell of a lot. Something that is always consistent with this band is how out there they are, and just when you think they can’t blow your mind more than they have- they just ruin your eardrums and make you so glad you have this band in your life.

I took my girlfriend with me to the show. I wasn’t sure if she was going to enjoy the show, but she’s one of life’s greater people and she’s pretty cool so, I had nothing to worry about. She was more shocked that I loved a band as heavy as this! I can see why. If Sleep ever play a UK show again, I’ll have to take her. Anyway, converting people to this great band aside- Melvins put on a mind-bending show. Everything about their live show utterly projects just how amazing they are, and how they are just so criminally underrated. Bands like this have it in them to last until the end of time, and I’m pretty sure King Buzzo is going to outlive us all. There is no way he is human. He’s something else, and to just be in the same room as him blew my mind. I had to stop myself from freaking out when he walked on to the stage to do a line check.

A highlight of course, was Dale closing the show with a delightful rendition of So Long, Farewell. However for me, Don’t Forget To Breathe was my favourite moment of the show. Sure it’s a new song, but my god it is menacing. It is terrifying and it is divinely hypnotising. I felt like I was on another planet when they performed this. It’s an 8 minute whirlwind that just lures you in, and they do it in the most enigmatic way possible. If it wasn’t for Melvins, we wouldn’t have a lot of the bands we have now. I love hearing bands who have been influenced by them, because for the most part the influence is subtle but when you dig deeper- it’s definitely there.

I can safely say that after years of waiting, this was everything and more. I knew I was going to have my brain fried and my eyes opened to a different world. I went in expecting something magical, and I sure as hell got it. Easily one of the best shows I’ve been to this year and you know, it’s always pretty damn cool seeing one of the most important bands to you live. That’s a feeling that can’t ever be replicated.

BEACH HOUSE: Albert Hall, Manchester. 19th October 2018.

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We all have a band that we adore seeing live. A band that when we see them, just makes everything better. It gives you this sense of belonging, and finding “home.” Live music is so powerful, and when it is one of the bands you unconditionally love- it means so much more.

Prior to last night’s show, I had seen Beach House twice in London a couple of years ago. I was just in awe of the lighting, the way they sounded and how electric the atmosphere was. I’ve never connected with London, so to see them in my newly adopted home- Manchester, was just a dream come true. Since 2006, Beach House have been a band that have meant the world to me, and have always been the most comforting sound. To see them in such a beautiful venue in the best city in the world, was just perfect.

Albert Hall is one of Manchester’s best venues and just a beautiful building. An old converted church that was just perfect for Beach House. To see the silhouettes of people dancing against the stain glass windows was so moving, and to see a sea of people getting completely and utterly lost in the music was such a thing of beauty. There was a person at the front of the stage wearing a yellow hoodie (I think) and from where I was sitting, I could see exactly how much the music means to him. They were reacting how I have done so many times at shows. This was the first time I had seen Beach House and not cried. Their music is everything to me, and to see someone else react like I do and have done was just so moving. Victoria noticed the person, and she went over to them. It was such a beautiful moment. Victoria has this presence on stage that, although you know she is shy, she has this gorgeous aura about her that is so soothing. To see her be this way towards a fan was such a lovely and touching moment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em3NEHjUneE

Beach House played 18 songs. 18 songs that filled the venue with love and comfort. Songs that mean the world to us all. Beach House have enough records for you to want to see them live all the time, and B-sides to make you even more addicted to them. Their set list last night was just perfect. I could not have dreamed up a better list of songs to hear. I mean sure, classics like Lover Of Mine and Apple Orchard but it’s the rarer songs that really hit you in the gut. The reaction that everyone’s favourite, Myth has is just beautiful.  Walk In The Park was the most sentimental song for me. I’ve used that song so many times as a way out of whatever was going on.

The drums on 10 Mile Stereo blew my mind completely. Every time I’ve seen them, this song has always been played and every single time it just moves me. It is such a brilliant song, and to see it live never ever gets old. Alex and Victoria are nothing short of brilliant musicians. Victoria hides behind her hair, but her presence is so big and so wonderful. She doesn’t need to make pointless conversation or behave a certain way in order for you to pay attention. Her voice is so calming. Beach House are a band I listen to after I’ve had a panic attack, so I do listen to them a hell of a lot! There is something so reassuring about Alex’s hypnotic guitar and Victoria’s gentle voice. It feels like you’re being guided towards something your mind can’t always take you to. Beach House take you there, always.

Beach House have always been a band I use as a guide and just a form of security. Their live shows most certainly reinforce all of this. I adored seeing Wishes, Girl of the Year and Norway so much. Norway and Lazuli are two songs that I treat as my crutch at times, and every element of these songs just calms me down. 18 songs don’t feel like enough. It went by so fast, and I just wanted to hear more and more. The lighting wouldn’t make an epileptic feel too great, but it makes the show. The lights are in time to certain moments of the songs. Myth and Lemon Glow for me, really came to life and the lights just made you feel like you were in an abandoned swimming pool, and Beach House just give you this pure and joyous experience that no other band can give you. You feel like you’re floating and unaware of what is happening in the outside world. Music is the perfect escape, and Beach House just fill you with this feeling of freedom that no other band ever has.

Was this one of the best shows I’ve ever been to? Of course it was. I loved how diverse the crowd was, and the amount of love shown for the band. And the way that Beach House reciprocated it, was nothing short of perfect.

Beach House are a band that you just have to see. On record they ease your soul, and their live shows go above and beyond this. With each record they find new ways to captivate you, and for me their live shows do exactly the same every single time.