WORDS AND IMAGES BILLY SEAGRAVE
As the sun dipped below the Manchester skyline, casting a warm glow on the historic New Century Hall, there was anticipation in the air. The Blinders, torchbearers of raw, unapologetic rock/punk, were about to deliver their final gig of the Beholder Tour 2024. The venue was buzzing and fans had turned out in force,
The Blinders, hailing from Doncaster via Manchester, have carved their path through the indie scene with a ferocity that demands attention. Their journey has been marked by evolution and resilience. The departure of their previous drummer in 2020 triggered a seismic shift. Thomas “Cass” Castrey, once the band’s tech on the road, stepped into the drum stool full-time. Keyboardist Johnny James joined the ranks, expanding their sonic palette. Bassist Charlie McGough, a Doncaster school friend and fellow Blinder’s founder, saw the upheaval as an opportunity for growth. The pendulum swung, chaos giving way to creative rebirth. The lineup solidified further with the addition of former Cabbage and Twisted Wheel guitarist Eoghan Clifford. Together, they embarked on a relentless demoing process, exploring new musical relationships. Over 20 songs emerged from their Manchester base at Brunswick Mill, each a testament to their newfound synergy.
Before The Blinders took centre stage, the crowd was treated to Denver County Council and Stanleys. Both gave great performances.
Denver County Council, an enigmatic ensemble, a dark vibe dark and brooding all tied up in ethereal melodies that lingered like forgotten dreams. Their moody post-punk sound resonated with the crowd.
“Mad Love” cast a spell, drawing listeners into its melancholic depths. The lead singer’s haunting vocals left an impression.
Stanleys, a 4-piece indie pop band from Wigan, delivered Indie Rock with infectious energy. Tom’s vocals soared, Jake’s guitar riffage ignited, and Harry’s basslines anchored the groove. Rob, their drummer, was a force of nature. Influenced by ’60s guitar music and ’90s Britpop, Stanleys delivered a set that left us craving more. Their track “Time Waits for No One” was a standout, along with “Measured in Gold” a hint of the Artic Monkeys delivered with a Manchester Swagger.
Set List:
1/ Look Back.
2/ I’ll try.
3/ Why would I?
4/ She’s done it again.
5/ A better lifetime waits for no one.
6/ Measured in Gold.
As the lights dimmed, The Blinders took the stage, bathed in crimson hues. The crowd erupted as they launched into “Ceremony,” a defiant anthem that set the tone. “Et tu Brutus,” “Always Waterfalls of Venice,” and “Iggy Got Camaro” followed, each delivered with intensity. Frontman Thomas Haywood’s vocals cut through the air like shards of glass, while bassist Charlie McGough and drummer Cass held the rhythm in an iron grip.
The setlist wove through their discography, touching on tracks from Beholder, their previous albums, and even unreleased gems. “Ritual of the Crocodile Men” sent shivers down spines, its tribal beat echoing through the hall. “Nocturnal Skies” allowed guitarist Eoghan Clifford to unleash blistering solos, while keyboardist Johnny James added haunting textures.
The New Century Hall pulsed with electricity. Fans sang every word, bodies thrashing in unison. Mosh pits erupted during “Lunatic (With a Loaded Gun)” and “Brave New World.” The air smelled of sweat, spilt beer, and euphoria. The Blinders’ connection with their audience was palpable—Tom leaning into the crowd, Charlie’s bass vibrating our chests, Cass pounding the drums like a man possessed. The band delivered a sonic symphony.
As the encore began, “L’état c’est moi” echoed through the hall. The Blinders stood united, bathed in stark white light. The crowd roared; hands raised in reverence. “Black Glass” closed the night, a cathartic release. We stumbled out, hearts full, ears ringing, knowing we’d witnessed something extraordinary.
The Blinders’ Beholder Tour finale was more than a concert; it was a communion of souls. In that dimly lit hall, we found solace, rebellion, and hope. As the echoes faded, we carried their music with us, etched into our bones. The Blinders had left their mark, indelible and fierce. Manchester would remember this night.
Set List
1/ Ceremony
2/ Et tu Brutus
3/ Always Waterfalls of Venice
4/ Iggy Got Camaro
5/ I Can’t Breathe Blues
6/ Forty Days and Forty Nights
7/ From Nothing to Abundance
8/ Ritual of the Crocodile Men
9/ While I’m Still Young
10/ Something Wicked This Way Comes
11/ Lunatic (With a Loaded Gun)
13/ 12/ Nocturnal Skies
14/ Mule Track
15/ The Writer
16/ All I Need
Encore:
17/ L’état c’est moi
18/ Brave New World
19/ Ramona Flowers
20/ Black Glass
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