Photo Credit: Lily Ajaib
Words: Skye Whitfield
Cheers of excitement vibrate along the queue in Scarborough as Blossoms headline the Open Air Theatre in the height of summer. Fans originating from Japan, California and Berlin form part of the line on barricade after a dedicated day spent queuing together outside the venue.
As the crowd pours in, Apollo Junction welcome them with an easy-going and danceable set. Claps are paired alongside the set in encouragement, as the band perform in high spirits to win over the unfamiliar crowd. With a five-piece female choir accompanying them for a couple songs, their vocals are enhanced with harmony. Absorbing the crowd’s willingness to immerse themselves in the music, their lead singer, Jamie, joins the crowd on the other side of the barricade to dance with them for the final song.
Anticipation pulsates as their second support, Inhaler, take to the stage. With previous collaborative performances, it’s fair to say the crowd are well-accustomed to the Irish quartet sharing stages with Stockport-based Blossoms. Starting with a well-loved classic from their sophomore album ‘Cuts and Bruises’, rows of fans begin jumping to the rhythm and bellow out the guitar riff, played by Elijah and Josh.
Despite technical issues with his drums after playing ‘Dublin in Ecstacy’, Ryan McMahon carries on with the help of the stage crew, a determined look settling across his features as the next song rings out. Encouraging the gathering to jump in time with the kick drum, Hewson and Keating introduce ‘Who’s Your Money On?’ before powering through with practised ease. Their bassist Robert, although situated on the right side, commands attention from throughout the venue, his stance of nonchalance an expected scene from knowing fans.
The title track of their first album, ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’ is impactful, with Jenkinson’s guitar solo being sung back to the band by loyal fans. Ending with ‘My Honest Face’ has never been so perfect, a track very well matched to a crowd in summer finalises their set, an energetic conclusion to showcase their most popular tracks.
With a relaxed essence, guitarist Josh Dewhurst leads Blossoms and their percussion artists onto the stage, waving out onto the crowd to greet and entice their interest. Signature cowbell in hand, Ogden plants himself atop of a speaker, releasing the crowd into the collectively chanted riff of their hit song ‘Your Girlfriend’. A setlist curated with varied tempos fills the speakers, feeding off the fan’s enthusiasm.
Personal favourites such as ‘At Most A Kiss’ and ‘Perfect Me’ are played, dramatised expressions take over Ogden’s face as he gives his all into perfecting a well-rounded show.’ Honey Sweet’ sticks with the crowd, as lead singer, Tom, recites the ending with a previously free-styled word-play of Inhaler’s bassist, Bobby’s, stage name that rhymes perfectly with the tracks name. Although they’re missing the iconic Irish touch of CMAT’s backing vocals, Blossoms power through ‘I Like Your Look’ with a confident strut from Ogden that could challenge a catwalk.
‘My Favourite Room’ and ‘Nightclub’, two very different songs in terms of accompaniments yet equally loved, are performed, allowing drummer, Joe Donovan, and keyboardist, Myles Kellock, the opportunity to travel closer to the front of the stage, to be seen by the crowd more clearly. ‘Nightclub’ is particularly captivating, as the front of the stage is lined by the artists as they sway their hips in time with them melody.
Paying respects to bands before them, Blossoms’ skilful nature is seen as they slide famous tracks by artists such as Oasis into their setlist, as a pathway made for returning to their places on stage after being gathered around a singular microphone for ‘My Favourite Room’, before initiating their next song.
Sealing the set with a stamp of approval by fans, the band concluded on the well-loved title track of their fifth album ‘Gary’. With a fibre-glass gorilla wheeled on to the left of the stage, Dewhurst took it upon himself to keep the iconic statue company as the song carried on. Interrupting the track before its peak, the talented individuals that make up Blossoms’ and their percussion acts earn hoots of admiration from the crowd, as each individual gets their own round of applause. Myles even jokes with the crowd during his introduction and plays the impromptu instrumental for Satisfaction (by Benny Banassi). The crowd erupted in cheers as the final chorus of Gary plays, and they ‘la la la-ed’ into nightfall, before the lights dulled and the band gave their final well wishes as the stage was vacated.
Taped Magazine 