Featured image and gallery: Nathan Cole
In a quiet room at the Deaf Institute, 40 or so people gather for The Mercians’ highly anticipated first headline tour. Having come off the back of supporting former Kasabian frontman, Tom Meighan, the four-piece are one of the scene’s most exciting up-and-coming outfits. They’re on a mission to ‘bring indie back to the midlands’, and tonight they bring a taste of Leicester to us.
Shader, an unpretentious Manchester quartet, open proceedings with the no-nonsense rock of ‘Drop the Weapon’ and ‘Pulse’. Drummer, Tom Turney, steals the show with his energy and passion.
We are then introduced to unashamedly drunk Liverpudlians, Blondes. Their euphoric indie pop fills the room, conveying a warmth in the disco lights and The Lodge’s cosy setting.
The Mercians know how to garner a reaction; mashups of Kasabian, ‘Come on Eileen’ and car alarms preface their entrance. Referencing a recent misfortune with their tour van, lead Matt Cominotto apologises: “Sorry we’re late, fucking van got nicked.”
The lighting and haze is fantastic, providing a theatrical experience to the intimate venue. Debuting new songs such as ‘Oxygen’, ‘Sarah Connor’ and ‘Gymshark’, the hulking guitar riffs and Cominotto’s rich tonal quality shines through.
The band throws out inflatable beach balls and sharks alongside branded beer mats. Concern for atmosphere and marketing is clear; The Mercians know how to sell themselves. Far from being distracted by the props, the crowd leans into the visual storytelling elements of the show.
‘Dreamseller’ and ‘I Don’t Mind’ go down a treat, the floor shakes with jumping excitement. The fans hang onto every word, and receive constant thanks for their attendance. ‘077’ is an emotional ballad, with its vocal refrain sung back to the band with enthusiasm.
Guitarist, Joe Syborn, joins Cominotto as they descend into the audience to play an acoustic version of ‘Scum Like Us’. The crowd encircle the two as they play a touching piece surrounded by phone torchlight. It is uncommon to see bands so up close and personal, but The Lodge is the perfect setting.
With an incredible portfolio of feel-good indie and an already loyal fanbase, one thing is clear from the first show of the ‘Come Home Eileen’ tour: The Mercians are ones to watch.
Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fcukers headline a sold-out show at Manchester’s New Century Hall, in support of their long-awaited debut album, ‘ö’. Opening the night are Sydney-based Sleepazoid, whose hazy, atmospheric sound offers a sharp contrast to the headliners’ explosive energy. Their set feels cinematic and dream-like, serving as both a striking opener…
Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Hailing from Manchester and playing a sold-out show at Manchester’s Lion’s Den, with an imminent EP on the way, aAh! speaks to Fred Farrell (vocals) and Danny Atherton (bass) of Dr Dr. Did you start the band during Covid times? Is that where it all originated? F: It was…
Featured image: Gary Walker Neo-blues soul artist Yellow Days, the stage name of Haslemere’s George van den Broek, returns to Manchester with his seventh album, Rock And A Hard Place, and a live show that proves just how far he has come. Before he steps out, London-based act Brian Nasty warms the room up nicely,…
Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch The Royston Club perform alongside Overpass and Permanent (Joy) at a sold-out O2 Victoria Warehouse. Welsh indie rock band The Royston Club, school friends who began playing together in 2017, now headline O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Touring second album Songs For The Spine, they generate an energetic sold-out…
Leave a reply