Photo Credit: Jess Plunkett
Words: Sophie Thompson
Manchester band Sleeping Together are no strangers to The Deaf Institute, the Lodge after selling the venue out back in March 2025. In a full circle moment, the band made a triumphant return to the venue on Saturday night for a Halloween themed show accompanied by fancy dress and high spirits. Riding the momentum of their recently released single ‘In Love with My Ex’ their set showcased how far they have come since forming in late 2022 as well as a glimpse of a band fast approaching something special.
Nothing Rhymes with Orange opened the night kicking off their set with their 2024 single “Cats Eyes” the quartet from Bristol delivered a performance packed with energy and charm. Channelling similar magnetic stage presence and emotion as Jacob Slater of Wunderhorse. One of their most recent tracks “Stepping Up My Spine” was a standout moment in their set which saw the crowd begin to sing along with their infectious lyrics, “I can’t get you out my mind”. Fuelled by explosive guitars and soaring vocals, Nothing Rhymes with Orange proved themselves to be a band on the rise, pairing familiar indie sounds with a distinctive freshness which will no doubt win over every crowd they play to.
Sleeping Together opened their set with a bang with one of their earliest singles “Money and Nicotine” from the first chord the room was alight. Their sound sits somewhere between the post-punk shadows of Fontaines D.C and the melodic drive of The Strokes, a balance which feels different and unmistakably their own.
As champions of the North-West music scene, Sleeping Together wear their influences with pride. The band consisting of Alexander Lloyd-Jones (lead vocals), Amber Hughes (drums), Daniel Turton (bass) and Mike Correy (guitar) played with a level of cohesion which only these four best friends can have. Saturday night wasn’t just a homecoming show for them, but it also marked drummer Amber Hughes first show back after time away recovering from cancer treatment which saw her miss the band’s milestone festival appearances earlier this year. Her return bought a palpable sense of renewal and joy to the stage, a spark which shone in both the band and the audience.
Their setlist consisted of a mix of fan favourites and unexpected surprises. Tracks like “Time to Reflect” and “Pour me Another” showcased the band’s skilled knack for strong lyricism paired with addictive melodies. A fiery rendition of The Automatic’s “Monster” sent the room into a frenzy and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” which were met with a roaring reception from the crowd. Whether you were an avid fan of Sleeping Together or a first-time listener it was impossible not to be won over by their infectious energy.
Towards the end of the night was where the crowd really started to get involved. “We haven’t played this one in a while” Alex announced before “Someone I Can Love”, which glows with melody and summer nostalgia. The set drew to a close with Daisy (Marc Jacobs) the track which was played not once but twice due to a broken guitar
string. Who was the crowd to complain, if only it added to the magic of it. It wouldn’t be a Sleeping Together gig without ending on “Summer Girl”, packed with undeniable charisma and melody, a reminder of why they truly are on their way to indie greatness.
Set to return to the Deaf Institute next year, the band will this time be headlining the main room. Judging by Saturday’s performance it won’t be long until they take on bigger venues.
Taped Magazine 