WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL EVANS
Nestled in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter the Night and Day Café has been a cornerstone of the city’s music scene since its opening in 1991. Over the decades, it has hosted an array of iconic artists, from early-career performances by Elbow and Arctic Monkeys to intimate gigs by emerging talents such as tonight’s headliners, Villanelle.
Born from the restless energy of frontman Gene Gallagher, Villanelle only emerged early this year and are quickly making waves in the UK’s burgeoning indie rock scene. Despite their relatively short time together the band have already cultivated a loyal fanbase. After a series of high-profile support slots and supporting Blossoms on one of their big homecoming Manchester gigs last night the bands reputation is growing. With a debut album rumoured for 2025, this intimate homecoming at such an iconic Manchester venue could be a pivotal moment for the band. It’s sold out tonight and the mixed crowd is packed shoulder to shoulder, the venues industrial aesthetic, complete with exposed brick walls, intimate stage and dim lighting providing a raw yet inviting atmosphere. The small capacity ensuring an intimate connection between the band and the audience that larger venues often lack.
Villanelle hit the stage with thunderous raw energy and emotion during their first song. Gallagher’s commanding stage presence is immediate, his voice weaving through the song’s driving bassline and angular guitar riffs. “Measly Means” is anthemic and captures the struggles of navigating modern life. Gallagher’s raw vocal delivery combining with Carter’s discordant guitar riffs perfectly. “Opportunity Arising” follows, its infectious rhythm and clever lyrics encouraging the crowd to chant along. Carter’s guitar work again shines, blending melodies with gritty undertones, while Hughes’ bass anchors the track with precision.
As the set develops, “Natural Stereo” and “Lazy” showcase the band’s range and highlights Villanelle’s ability to balance energy with vulnerability and can transition seamlessly between high-energy anthems and mellow tracks. Andy Richmond’s drumming is particularly compelling on “Natural Stereo”, hypnotically driving the slower, introspective song forward. Gallagher’s vocals also carry an emotional weight with the interplay between Carter’s shimmering guitar tones, Hughes’ basslines and Richmond’s drums creating a dreamy atmosphere.
It’s a short set and “a new song” captivates the audience with its cryptic lyrics and a dynamic structure that oscillates between quiet introspection and explosive crescendos and is my favourite song of the night. Carter’s guitar work particularly noteworthy, layering atmospheric textures over rhythmic precision that hints at the band’s evolving sound. “Hinge” is explosive, Gallagher’s voice cutting through the cacophony of guitar, bass and drums with unrelenting intensity. It encapsulates Villanelle’s raw, unfiltered energy and genuinely reminds me of seeing the Stone Roses circa 1986/87.
Considering they only formed earlier this year the band are remarkably self-assured.With music and performance engrained in his DNA thanks to Dad Liam Gallagher and mum Nicole Appleton, Gallagher is a natural yet subtle showman and his songwriting reveals a knack for introspection and wit, channelling his experiences and surroundings into lyrics that feel both personal and universal. Musically the band themselves forge a sound that encapsulates Manchester’s celebrated musical legacy and combine it with the sharpness of post-punk. Without sounding directly like them, I hear inspiration from Manchester stalwarts like Joy Division and Stone Roses. There’s also influences of Dinosaur Jr, Pixies and even hints of the ethereal mixture of guitar distortion and feedback of shoegaze. For me anyway, there’s definitely no Oasis influences to be heard.
With their raw energy, Villanelle have delivered a performance tonight that reaffirms their rising-star status. The band’s chemistry, heartfelt lyricism dynamic instrumentation and Gallagher’s undeniable star power leaving no doubt that they’re destined for bigger things. They just need the chance to be heard without any comparisons and to grow as any other new, young band. I feel I’ve witnessed the start of something special tonight, a band at the start of a journey to greatness performing in one of Manchester’s most cherished venues. A venue where magic can happen.
Villanelle are
Gene Gallagher (Vocals/Guitar)
Ben Taylor (Guitar)
Jack Schiavo (Bass guitar)
Andy Richmond (Drums)
No set list available.
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I’ve loved music since forever. Graphic designer, photographer and artist at painted.papillon.smile (www.ppsdesign.co.uk)
