WORDS AND IMAGES ISOBEL EVE SCOTT
Being one of Manchester’s busiest and most iconic venues, it feels like there isn’t a single night where The Deaf Institute isn’t bustling with activity. Whether it’s live music, DJ sets, comedy shows, or something entirely different, this venue always has something exciting to offer. Located right on Oxford Road, it’s easy to see why The Deaf Institute has become such a beloved and essential part of the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Manchester is truly lucky to have a venue like this, especially in a time when grassroots music venues are sadly disappearing at an alarming rate. Seeing The Deaf Institute not only surviving but thriving is a breath of fresh air, and it’s no exaggeration to call it one of Manchester’s gems.
Tonight, like so many other nights here, is another date on The Deaf Institute’s packed-out calendar. But tonight is particularly special because Newcastle-based indie rockers, The Pale White, are kicking off their 2025 UK and Ireland tour with a sold-out show in the loft. The energy in the air is electric, with fans eagerly waiting to hear what the band has in store for them.
But before we get to The Pale White, the crowd has the opportunity to enjoy not just one, but two support acts, and they certainly do not disappoint. First up is Joe Chandler, an up-and-coming indie rock artist who is opening up just for the Manchester leg of this tour. As soon as he and his band take the stage, it’s clear that Chandler brings a fresh and engaging sound to the table. His music strikes a perfect balance between indie rock and folk influences, making for an entertaining and dynamic set.
Being the first artist of the night, especially in a city like Manchester, can be a daunting task, but Chandler rises to the occasion with ease. He delivers a solid and enjoyable performance, leaving a strong impression on the early crowd. A particularly touching moment comes when he dedicates a song to his sister, who happens to be in the audience. Chandler recounts a conversation he had with her while they were on a road trip to Scotland. She mentioned wishing someone would write a song about her, and Chandler made her wish come true. The song he wrote for her is, without a doubt, the standout track of his setlist. It’s heartfelt, personal, and connects with the audience in a genuine way. Those lucky enough to be in attendance for this early part of the show get to witness a special moment that won’t be easily forgotten.
Unfortunately, Joe Chandler doesn’t have any music available to stream yet (much to my dismay after the show, when I tried to listen to him on the way home), but there will be plenty of chances to catch him live again. He’s set to join Permanent (Joy) for their upcoming Jacaranda show and will also be opening for Jaws on their farewell UK tour. If you have the opportunity to catch him live, I highly recommend it – he’s an artist to keep an eye on.
Next up is the second support act of the night, Lizzie Esau, who will be joining The Pale White for the entirety of their UK tour before they head over to Ireland. With her third EP having dropped last October, Esau has plenty of fresh material to showcase, and she does so with absolute confidence. From the moment she steps on stage, wearing a set of fairy wings, it’s clear that Lizzie Esau brings something unique to the night. The wings may seem whimsical, but they turn out to be the perfect fit for her music, which has an almost ethereal, dreamlike quality to it.
Her sound is distinctly more alternative than the other artists on tonight’s lineup, and the contrast works beautifully. Her track ‘Bleak Sublime’ stands out as a clear highlight – it’s no surprise that it’s the most popular song on her Spotify profile. Esau’s live vocals are nothing short of incredible, and her stage presence is magnetic. She completely dominates The Deaf Institute’s cozy stage, making it feel like she was born to perform. With such a strong performance tonight, it’s exciting to see where her music career will take her next. For those who want to hear more from her, Lizzie Esau is set to play The Glasshouse in Newcastle on the 16th of April for BBC Introducing – a show that will definitely be worth checking out.
Finally, it’s time for The Pale White to take the stage, and they don’t waste a single second getting started. The Newcastle-based three-piece, made up of brothers Adam Hope (vocals, guitar) and Jack Hope (drums), along with bassist Dave Barrow, hit the ground running. From the first note, the band’s sound immediately brings to mind some of the best in indie rock, with echoes of Muse, Demob Happy, and even a little Red Hot Chili Peppers thrown in for good measure.
It feels like we’re in the midst of a golden age for indie rock, with so many bands bringing fresh, exciting energy to the genre. The Pale White is no exception, and their set tonight only reinforces that feeling. Much of their setlist consists of unreleased songs from their highly anticipated upcoming album, The Big Sad, which is slated for release on April 18th. For many in the audience, this is the first time hearing these tracks, and frontman Adam Hope cheekily refers to the crowd as a “room full of guinea pigs,” gauging the response to the new material. Judging by the enthusiastic reactions, it’s safe to say the new album is going to be a hit.
One of the standout new tracks is ‘Final Exit,’ a song that shows off The Pale White’s range and creativity. It’s clear from tonight’s performance that The Big Sad holds a lot of promise, and fans are eagerly awaiting its release. Towards the end of the set, the energy takes a brief, yet powerful, dip as Dave and Jack leave the stage, allowing Adam to perform a solo rendition of ‘Anechoic Chamber Blues.’ The song’s mellow vibe and intimate feel offer a stark contrast to the rest of the set, creating a moment of calm amidst the chaos. The audience falls nearly silent as Adam delivers an emotional performance, but the quiet is short-lived as the rest of the band returns to the stage for the final song, ‘That Dress.’ The energy is cranked right back up, and the crowd responds in kind, singing along and dancing as the band closes out the night on a high note.
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
