by Pale Waves, the pop-punk, indie-pop legends of this generation, played a sold out date in their home-city of Manchester at the O2 Ritz on Thursday and it was truly the definition of faultless from start to finish.
The venue is absolutely packed as I walk in with all eyes on the stage waiting for Miss Heather Baron-Gracie to enlighten us with her presence. As the band enter with an air of cool, calm and collectiveness, it’s clear they feel right at home at the Ritz.
Pale Waves kick off their Manchester set with ‘Perfume’ from their album ‘Smitten’. Heather’s vocals are delightful as always, sounding like the personification of an angel with the look of icon. As someone who saw the previous ‘Smitten’ tour, the band seem more comfortable playing this one compared to last year and it’s excellent to see.
Further down the set-list, we reach ‘Lies’ from my favourite Pale Waves album ‘Unwanted’. The bands gritty, electrifying instrumental burst from the speakers and Heather’s voice is nothing short of commanding as she belts out the chorus ‘You called it love but it never had that feeling / Ripped out my heart and left it bleeding’.
The crowd are enjoying every single second and I’m in the mix savouring every second too, it feels like a night to remember and we’re not even halfway.
Two show-stopping moments included the band’s cover of ‘Zombie’ which the band showcased a few times over festival season and another moment which stole the crowd’s hearts was during ‘There’s A Honey’. Back in 2017 I bet Pale Waves never expected to play the Ritz or reach the heights that they have, and watching them play an earlier track demonstrates how far they have come in their careers.
‘She’s My Religion’ another breath-taking moment for the Sapphics like myself in the audience; a song about the most powerful love and devotion created.
The band close their set at the Ritz with ‘Jealousy’ another utterly brilliant and powerful track, and the perfect way to close the best set I’ve ever seen them perform.
Hats off to you guys, you f**king smashed it!
