Aril 27th, Manchester UK

Having only played Manchester once before, there was a special feeling in the air seeing Aussie’s Redhook pack out one of Manchester’s most iconic venues as they make their headline debut in the UK. Forming in 2017 in Sydney, Redhook have built their own empire including a large fan base in the UK that’s seen sell out banners appear across their tour poster both here and in Europe.

This tour see’s a collection of upcoming talent mixed up of some of the best new bands Australia and the UK has to offer, it cooked up a very active night and in a small intimate room, the action was certainly there. Manchester’s Deaf Institute is loaded with history with tonight’s show adding its own piece to the venue’s countless memories. With only a handful of tickets remaining, it was set to be very cosy.

Setting the standards for the night was this evening’s openers, Eville. Labelled as ‘Brat Metal’, the Brighton trio are shining bright and taking their already incredible musical journey to a new level time and time again. Supporting the likes of Delilah Bon and Wasgasm, they have been able to form their own wave on fans as the eye up more and more big things. Lead singer and guitarist Eva Sheldrake’s powerful bratty vocals command the full set and the room – the energy on stage is so infectious it spreads its way to the crowd early on as a small sized pit opens up to get things moving. Showcasing some of their best work, their hyper-pop and nu-metal sound with heavy screams thrown in for good measure add perfectly to the live experience.

Songs like ‘BR4T MBL’, ‘Blood’ and the explosive ‘Ballistic’ are all built for small intimate spaces like this but certainly wouldn’t seem out of place in a wide space room or arena. They would also throw in the added bonus of their brand new single ‘Get With Me’ that was set for release after these run of shows – the single is a huge in your face number with some of the filthiest bass grinds you’re likely to hear. Rounding off what was a killer set with a very fitting song that sum up the set, ‘Slay’. The bratty trio are setting their sights on more big things and with sets like tonight, it’s only a matter of time.

Up next we have another female fronted powerhouse with Hertfordshire’s Defences producing a mammoth set. Carrying on the energy from the previous set, this band know exactly how to work a room. Straight into their opener ‘The Curse’ followed by ‘What You Know’, they set the standard of how the show would be going. Lead by singer Cherry Duesbury, the power behind her vocals is explosive and has the full room mesmerized throughout.

Since 2013, Defences have carved their own unique niche in the alternative scene – releasing their debut album ‘Shadowlight’ in November last year followed by their first headline tour earlier this year, they are doing things their own way and crushing it along the way. The band seem very much at home and you can see the confidence beam the more the show goes on. Despite a short slot, they packed in the best that they had to offer with the likes of ‘In The Black’ and ‘Ego (Maniac)’ getting people off their feet. Concluding their set with ‘Shadowlight’ and ‘Gravity’ rounded off what was a polished set earning the load cheers for everyone in the room. With a busy schedule including an appearance at this years Download Festival, Defences are certainly carrying the momentum on to the second half of the year.

After two incredible opening acts and a slay little sing-song pre show, it was time for tonight’s headliners to take the stage. Despite never headlining in the UK before, it’s very clear to see just how loved Redhook are and the Manchester crowd are very much in a party mode as the band head on stage. Starting strong with the title track off their recent album, ‘Bomb.com’ instantly goes off setting the tone for the night quite nicely. Keeping the new record theme going they continue on into another huge single with ‘Dr Frankenstein ’ right before ‘Hot Tub’ getting things nice and sweaty early on - vocalist Emmy Mack clearly not feeling the heat just yet as she jumps around stage in an orange jumpsuit and beanie, I know the UK is cold but come on.

One of the big things I love about any live show is fan engagement and Redhook really dive into that area including in fans at any moment they can weather its to open a pit, wave their fans or even having a laugh and a joke and that’s one of the reasons the love is there for this band - just from tonight alone you can feel the both fans and band bounce off each other adding to what really is a special atmosphere. Keeping the energy going, the band are joined on stage with the first guest of the evening as Eva from Eville hops on to absolutely kill it during ‘Hexxx’, the mix of vocals during this really does slap hard and the pair go hand in hand.

From the front row to the people crowding out the back seating area, the smiles and loud singing was constant throughout the night - Emmy was born to be on stage and she had the crowd firmly in the palm of her hands. Not happy with the space she had on stage, she took multiple trips in the crowd including a venture along the full length of the bar to make use to every inch of available space that she had. It was time again to be joined on stage by one of the supports, this time it was the turn of Cherry from Defences to play their part in ‘Imposter’ right before a fan came on stage to sing along to ‘Soju’ and absolutely crush it in front of a close to sold out room - going back to what I mentioned earlier with the fan engagement, this was such an incredible moment to witness.

I love any sort of production that comes into a show, pyro, confetti and the likes - Redhook bring bubbles and I’m all here for it, the vibes during this were immaculate and really added even more fun to what was a happy show. Just like all good things, they must come to an end but not without a few more pits - ‘Jabberwocky’ sets things up nicely for a huge drum solo from Alex Powys before the final collab of the night as Will from Defences brings his in your face screams for ‘Cannibal’. Rounding off in style, every band join Redhook on stage for one final dance for ‘Bad Decision’ while covering the crowd in rolls of toilet paper.

It really was a set to remember from a band who are just making their name in the UK. Supported by two of the most exciting new bands in the UK scene, tonight has shown that the future of this scene is in more than capable hands going off what we have seen tonight. Let’s just hope it’s not long before we see these icons back on the stage again.

Aussie rockers bring the heat to an energy filled show in Manchester’s Deaf Institute

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Aussie rockers bring the heat to an energy filled show in Manchester’s Deaf Institute

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