WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL EVANS
“In a world where live music is often more about spectacle than substance, Girl in Red’s performance is a refreshing reminder of the power of music to connect and inspire.”
Despite its size, Manchester’s historic O2 Apollo always has an intimate feel. A perfect venue for the raw, unapologetic lyrics and dreamy melodies of Nieve Ella and tonight’s headliner Girl in Red. The musical project of Norwegian singer-songwriter Marie Ulven Ringheim, Girl in Red are one of the most compelling voices of the Gen Z indie scene. The band have made a significant musical mark in a relatively short period of time capturing hearts with music characterised by a DIY ethos, relatable lyrics and raw emotion. Marie’s openness about her struggles with mental health and her experiences as a gay woman make her a role model for many, particularly young LGBTQ+ fans who seem to make up lots of the sold-out crowd tonight.
There’s a huge sing a long in the rapturous crowd before Nieve Ella and band arrive on stage and the atmosphere is ecstatic. Opening with “Girlfriend”, rising star Nieve begins on a note of vulnerability and honesty, the song, a delicate exploration of love and yearning. Nieve’s voice, clear and emotive, cuts through the music, drawing the crowd into their world. “The Things We Say” shifts the energy with its upbeat tempo and has the huge throng swaying and nodding along. The interplay between rhythm guitar and smooth vocals making for a standout moment in the set. “Sugarcoated”, with its bittersweet lyrics is delivered with a faultless mix of tenderness and intensity and ends the set on a reflective note. Nieve’s voice creating an almost hypnotic effect, the crowd lost in the music. Supporting Girl in Red is no small feat, but Nieve Ella and her band are a perfect complement to the headliner’s more intense energy, providing a softer, yet equally powerful, emotional counterpoint. It’s clear that Nieve Ella is an artist with a bright future ahead. Their ability to captivate an audience with honest lyrics and emotive delivery setting them apart in the crowded indie pop landscape.
SETLIST
1/ Girlfriend
2/ The Things We Say
3/ Sweet Nothings
4/ Car Park
5/ His Sofa
6/ Ganni Top (She Gets What She Needs)
7/ Sugarcoated
The atmosphere is simply euphoric before Girl in Red take the stage, the joyous crowd enjoying numerous sing alongs. The bands influence extends beyond music; they have become a cultural icon for many, representing a new generation of artists who prioritise authenticity and emotional honesty over commercial success. Their music providing a voice for those who often feel unheard, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Candid explorations of topics like mental health, identity and love have resonated with listeners around the world, offering comfort, understanding and solidarity.
Following Chappell Roan’s ‘Hot to go!’ and Billie Eilish’s ‘Chihiro’ the band and Marie arrive silhouetted in a swathe of smoke and red light to immense cheers and I mean immense cheers. The powerful beat and haunting lyrics of “Doing it again baby” opening the set, the audience arms raised singing loudly to every word. Marie’s voice, clear and commanding, instantly grabbing the audience’s attention. Marie and the band not staying still for a moment, the heavy bass and sharp guitar riffs reverberating through the historic venue bringing an added intensity to the song that isn’t fully captured in the studio version. Marie’s emotions are unmistakable and it’s clear that tonight is not going to be just a performance but a therapeutic experience for both the band and fans alike.
The crowd erupt as the first notes from “Bad Idea!” begin. The optimistic tempo and memorable chorus have everyone dancing, creating a further sense of unity in the crowd. Marie is dynamic and engaging, rushing from one side of the stage to the other, punching the air, arms raised. Her voice effortlessly shifting from soft, intimate whispers to powerful, emotive cries that fill the entire venue. The crowd singing to every word and punching the air back to the enigmatic singer. A flag is taken from the audience and Marie drapes it around her shoulders before the joyful, bittersweet and magnificent “Girls”. The audience’s response is overwhelming, with cheers and applause showing just how much the track and artist means to them. The song’s infectious melody and relatable lyrics resonating deeply with the crowd, the words “They’re so pretty, it hurts, I’m not talking about boys, I’m talking about girls, they’re so pretty with their button-up shirts” voraciously sung back. “New Love”, “Body and Mind” and “I’m Back.” form the middle of the set. “New Love”, a highlight, with its delicate, almost fragile melody Marie’s voice carrying a weight that makes every word feel intensely personal.
As the concert progresses, Girl in Red deliver two of their most popular tracks: “Serotonin” and “Rue.” “Serotonin” with its infectious beat and introspective lyrics is a high-energy moment that has the entire venue bouncing. The song delivered with a sense of urgency, the energy in the room almost overwhelming as the audience again sing along to every word. With a fan requested song added we have something quite magical. Marie’s performance still both powerful and tender and it’s clear that she is feeding off the energy of the crowd.
From the powerful opener “Doing it again baby” to the haunting final song “I wanna be your girlfriend” it’s been a journey through a wide range of emotions tonight, with each song offering something unique and deeply personal. Marie’s ability to connect with the audience on such a deep level is magical and a testament to her talent as a songwriter and performer and this has not just been a concert but a shared experience.
In a world where live music is often more about spectacle than substance, Girl in Red’s performance is a refreshing reminder of the power of music to connect and inspire. Marie’s openness and vulnerability have made her a powerful voice in the music industry, inspiring others to embrace their true selves and speak out against stigma and discrimination. With Marie baring her musical soul tonight there’s been a real connection between artist and audience and tonight will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the standout performances of the year at the Apollo.
SETLIST
1/ Doing it again baby
2/ Bad idea!
3/ Girls
4/ New Love
5/ Body and Mind
6/ I’m Back
7/ Pick Me
8/ Ugly Side
9/ October Passed Me By
10/ We fell in love in october
11/ Phantom Pain
12/ You Stupid Bitch
13/ Serotonin
14/ Too Much
15/ A Night to Remember
16/ midnight love
17/ Rue
18/ 4am
19/ Dead girl in the pool.
20/ You Need Me Now?
21/ I wanna be your girlfriend
FOLLOW GIRL IN RED
FOLLOW NIEVE ELLA
I’ve loved music since forever. Graphic designer, photographer and artist at painted.papillon.smile (www.ppsdesign.co.uk)
