WORDS AND IMAGES BILLY SEAGRAVE
Royal Blood electrified the O2 Apollo, Manchester with a commanding performance on Friday night as they brought their “Typhoons Tour” to Manchester. The dynamic duo, comprised of Mike Kerr on vocals and bass, and Ben Thatcher on drums, treated the audience to a high-octane show, featuring a mix of tracks from their four albums, including the recently released “Back to the Water Below”.
Prior to Royal Blood’s unforgettable set, the crowd was treated to an energetic performance by Hot Wax, an emerging alternative rock trio hailing from Hastings. Comprising Tallulah Sim-Savage on vocals and guitar, Lola Sam on bass, and Alfie Sayers on drums, Hot Wax formed in 2020 and released their debut EP, “A Thousand Times,” in May 2023. Drawing comparisons to The White Stripes, Hole, and Wolf Alice, they delivered a short but powerful set featuring songs like “Stay Cool,” “Pat the Killer Cat,” “Barbie (Not Yours),” “Treasure,” and “Drop.” The band effortlessly blended grunge roots with post-punk influences and impressed the audience with catchy melodies and forceful riffs. Sim-Savage’s witty banter and sarcastic remarks between songs added to their charismatic stage presence.
Setting the stage with the opening track “Mountains at Midnight” from their latest album, Royal Blood immediately established the night’s tone. Kerr’s robust vocals and bass lines, complemented by Thatcher’s explosive drumming, ignited the crowd into an uproar of cheers and ever-expanding mosh pits. At one point, Ben even joined the crowd on the floor, orchestrating his own mosh pit. The band continued to captivate the audience with hits like “Boilermaker,” “How Did We Get So Dark?” “Out of the Black,” and “Little Monster.” Additionally, they showcased their evolving sound with newer tracks, including “Tell me when it’s too late” and “Shinier in the Dark,” transitioning from hard rock to more danceable and psychedelic influences.
Enhancing the performance, an impressive light show synchronized with the mood and intensity of each song, while neon signs bearing the band’s name and album titles adorned the stage. Royal Blood’s interaction with the crowd, expressions of gratitude, and sing-alongs further cemented the connection between the band and their fans.
Closing the night with the timeless classic “Figure It Out,” a track that helped propel them into the mainstream, the band demonstrated their raw energy and irresistible hooks. The audience sang along fervently and moved to the beat, concluding the evening with a deafening applause and expressions of appreciation from the band.
In summary, it was a night of memorable moments for Royal Blood, showcasing their unwavering talent. Hot Wax also gained a substantial following, proving that they are forces to be reckoned with in the current British rock scene. Both bands demonstrated their willingness to explore various sounds and styles while staying true to their core identities. It was a night filled with loud music, dazzling lights, and positive vibes.
Set List.
1/ Mountains at Midnight
2/ Come on Over
3/ Boilermaker
4/ Lights Out
5/ Triggers
6/ Trouble’s Coming
7/ Typhoons
8/ Pull Me Through
9/ Little Monster
(Followed by drum solo)
10/ How Did We Get So Dark?
11/ Tell Me When It’s Too Late
12/ Loose Change
13/ Ten Tonne Skeleton
14/ Out of the Black
Encore:
15/ Waves
16/ Shiner in the Dark
17/ Figure It Out
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FOLLOW HOT WAX
