WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL EVANS
From his early days fronting Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, through a diverse solo career that spans everything from acoustic folk to electronic experimentation, Lloyd Cole has continually evolved musically while retaining his signature introspective charm. Whether reflecting on the follies of youth or exploring the complexities of love, his music offers a timeless exploration of life’s intricacies. With his sharp intellect, poetic lyricism and refusal to conform to industry trends, he has carved out a unique place in music in the last forty years. On a storm swept January night the singer-songwriter is about to deliver an evening of timeless melodies and captivating storytelling in Manchester’s prestigious Bridgewater Hall.
The stunning 2,400-seated auditorium is nearly at full capacity as the hauntingly brooding “Wolves” from 2003’s On Pain album slowly resonates around the hall. With its electronic undercurrents and shimmering guitar chords we’re immediately drawn into the intimate world Lloyd has always excelled at creating. 1990’s “Don’t Look Back” follows, its guitar-driven melody a nostalgic nod to his early work with The Commotions. Lloyd’s voice is as rich and emotive as ever, weathered but full of character, carrying the weight of his lyrics beautifully. His delivery, marked by both vulnerability and self-assuredness, highlighting the singer-songwriter’s enduring ability to connect emotionally with his audience. The song’s themes of regret and resilience resonate and draw a warm response from the seated crowd. With its melancholic lyrics and subtle arrangement, the song feels as relevant in 2025 as it did when it first debuted decades ago.
Reaching into a stunning back catalogue, “No More Love Songs” and “Why I Love Country Music” highlight his knack for capturing universal emotions in uniquely personal ways. The crowd, a mix of longtime followers and younger fans, seem united in their appreciation of Cole’s ability to make the poetic lyricism and evocative melodies feel both personal and universal. The first standout moment of the night comes with “2CV” from Rattlesnakes. A song steeped in vivid imagery and reflective charm. Lloyd’s voice and the band carrying the emotional weight of the song with ease, perfectly playing its delicate, wistful melody.
“Warm By the Fire” offers a tender interlude before Lloyd and the band launch into two of his most beloved tracks, “Rattlesnakes” and the playful introspection of “Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken?”. Commotions classics which draw applause, the audience singing or mouthing along to every word. Hearing these songs live again, with their timeless melodies, reminds me of why “Rattlesnakes” was never off my turntable in 1984. It remains a landmark album and one of the finest debuts of the 1980s in my book. The blending of intellectual wordplay, referencing everything from Simone de Beauvoir to Norman Mailer, with infectious melodies, set Lloyd Cole and The Commotions apart.
The reflective “Past Imperfect” opens the second set, The audience listening intently, hanging on every word as vocals paint a picture of memory and longing. “Night Sweats” and “Speedboat” showcase a mastery of mood and pacing within the set, as reflective ballads are balanced with higher tempo tracks. “Night Sweats” brings a darker, moodier tone to the night, while “Speedboat” and then “Blue Like Mars” demonstrate Cole’s ability to blend introspection with a sense of grandeur and are met with hushed reverence from the crowd.
The tempo picks up with “The Over Under” and “No Blue Skies” drawing the audience out of their introspective reverie before the tour de force of “Perfect Blue” and “Perfect Skin” transport us all back to Cole’s early days, their infectious melodies and clever lyrics eliciting cheers of recognition. “Perfect Skin”, its jangly guitars and iconic opening line a nostalgic trip for many in the audience, yet somehow its energy feels entirely contemporary. Cole’s delivery is as sharp as ever, his voice imbued with the wisdom and experience of years gone by.
“Brand New Friend” and “Forest Fire” bring the set to a triumphant close. The latter, with its slow-burning intensity is a showstopper and nothing short of mesmerising. The slow-burning intensity of the song, paired with evocative delivery leaving me in awe as the applause echo long after the band has left the stage. It’s a perfect ending to a set that has magically weaved together beloved classics with material from recent albums.
“Mainstream” begins the encore and feels as fresh and relevant tonight as it did way back in in 1987. “Jennifer, She Said” provides a joyous release to end the night its upbeat energy, sing-along chorus and playful, bittersweet tone perfectly delivered. The audience singing along, greeting it with heartfelt applause, a testament to the enduring appeal of Cole’s early work.
Lloyd’s set has been a carefully curated journey through heartbreak, nostalgia and self-reflection. Across two electrifying sets and an encore, he has demonstrated why he remains one of the most revered singer-songwriters of his generation. As he continues to release new music and tour the world, Lloyd Cole needs to remain a cherished figure in the world of alternative and sophisticated pop. He’s a true artist and tonight has been a reminder of the enduring power of his great music and the profound impact of an artist who remains at the top of his game
SETLIST
Set 1
1/ Wolves
2/ Don’t Look Back
3/ Trigger Happy
4/ On Pain
5/ No More Love Songs
6/ Why I Love Country Music
7/ 2cv
8/ Undressed
9/ Warm By the Fire
10/ Rattlesnakes
11/ Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken?
Set 2
1/ Past Imperfect
2/ Night Sweats
3/ Speedboat
4/ Blue Like Mars
5/ Minor Character
6/ The Young Idealists
7/ Woman in a Bar
8/ The Over Under
9/ No Blue Skies
10/ Perfect Blue
11/ Perfect Skin
12/ Myrtle and Rose
13/ The Idiot
15/ Brand New Friend
15/ Forest Fire
Encore
16/ Mainstream
17/ Jennifer, She Said
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I’ve loved music since forever. Graphic designer, photographer and artist at painted.papillon.smile (www.ppsdesign.co.uk)