Music, News

BILK @ Manchester Academy 3 review – honest satirical rock trio bring the energy

0 328

Featured image: Lucy Wagstaffe


BILK brought the seditious punk chaos to a sold-out Manchester Academy 3 show on Saturday night, bringing the riot up North. The Essex lads did not disappoint in creating an atmosphere of excitement and electricity.

Having just released their debut album BILK after releasing their first singles together in 2018, the three-piece have already gained some extremely loyal fans all over the country.

For this Manchester, fans queued outside to get the best view of the band, donned in their iconic merch. Wearing items featuring BILK’s iconic snail logo, it’s an important show of support from the fans who stand with the satire and honest lyrics that compliment the band’s rough and powerful sound.

Thanks to support bands The Underclass and Shambolics, the crowd was already raring to go and prepared to be hyping BILK up. As soon as they took to the stage with the opening song and last single before the debut album, Fashion, the mosh started, and didn’t stop until the end of the gig. There were some sweaty faces in the crowd – and smiling ones at that. 

https://twitter.com/lucywag_jpg/status/1629844324232855564?s=20

The jam-packed set showcased the punk rock yet nineties rebellion sound BILK hold. From most popular tunes like ‘Be Someone’ and ‘Daydreamer’, which throws shade at the government and how society is forgetting about the young people, while commenting how you must make something of yourself. It is clear the crowd relates as they scream lyrics such as ‘Government pay, minimum wage’ and ‘I don’t wanna sell drugs like most kids do.’ 

With frontman Sol Abrahams on vocals and guitar, Luke Hare on bass guitar and Harry Gray on the kit, the stage setup sports the simplicity of the two guitarists on either side and the drummer in view in the middle. This is a nice touch, considering drummers are usually hidden away. Instead, the audience is able see the band as a whole, rather than focusing on the frontman, a set up which reflected the friendship of the band.

With a whole set packed with chaotic energy and the crowd bouncing, BILK is playing a huge part in keeping the scene alive to a new generation. Following on from bands such as the Sex Pistols and more new wave bands such as Kid Kapichi, bands like BILK are vital in protecting the underground scene and need to be heard.

About the author / 

Emma Bayley

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • The Resurgence of Female Pop Power: 5 female artists touring the UK in 2025

    Featured image: Evie Gledhill By Evie Gledhill Last year, some of the biggest names in music toured the UK. From global superstars Taylor Swift and Beyonce to breakthrough artists like Chappell Roan and The Last Dinner Party, we saw the revival of strong female pop icons in the music industry. And at a time when…

  • Manchester Metropolitan kicks off GoGlobal Week 2025

    Featured image: Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester Met is set to launch GoGlobal Week on Monday, a celebration of the University’s diverse global community and a platform to support students to prepare for international opportunities and careers. Running from Monday 3rd to Friday 7th March, the week-long programme features expert panels, workshops and interactive events with…

  • Manchester-based coffee magazine Dial In launches @ Altogether Otherwise – “An incredible event supporting a really great scene”

    Featured image and photography: Adrianos Falkonakis Manchester coffee lovers gathered at Altogether Otherwise on February 13th to celebrate the debut launch of Dial In magazine. A passion project created by Manchester Met alumni Ania Klekot and Elliot Howard, Dial In is the newest addition to Manchester’s independent publishing scene, bringing a fresh voice to the…

  • “Activism should show up in different ways”: Manchester Museum Student Climate Café offers space to discuss climate crisis

    Featured image: Manchester Museum Manchester Museum has launched a Student Climate Café, offering free sessions for university students to connect in a relaxed, inspiring space while discussing the climate crisis – without the pressure of taking immediate action. Launched in September 2024, the museum holds regular meets in a low-pressure environment, supported by experienced facilitators,…