Photo Credit: Ava Samuel
Words: Mia-Jo Vickers
BBC6’s Chris Hawkins took to the stage, a buzz of excitement rippled through the crowd as he introduced the Kowloons; first in tonight’s Trio of Liverpool bands to play the once chip shop turned pioneering music venue, Night and Day.
The Liverpool band opened their set with the perfect song, ‘James Dean‘, a tune that captures the essence of the 90s, as well as taking influence from the likes of Sam Fender and Inhaler.
As they played, you could see the audience ease up as they made their way closer to the stage forming an intimate atmosphere. Throughout the venue ,you could spot their diehard fans by the merch they were repping down at the very front and the groups of people taking the floor as their own.
Lead singer Stephen stated “If you’ve already seen us before welcome back“, and followed was a wave of cheers echoing off the walls. This emerging Liverpool 4 piece had already managed to build a solid fan base even in Manchester.
The Kowloons played an incredible show with a setlist bound to make every fan of theirs pleased.
‘Days Like This‘, ‘I Don’t Care‘ and ‘Raining‘, were among the songs they played this night and finally closing with ‘Can We Go Faster‘. The acoustic notes that open the song feel nostalgic, then it transitions into a more anthemic, high energy sound as it progresses. It is truly reminiscent of a classic Liverpool melody.
Then it was time for Permanent (Joy). They immediately made an impact on the room, kicking off with a new song ‘Nosebleeds‘. The headline-worthy band played effortlessly to this sell-out crowd, and there is no doubt that they managed to pull a few new fans out of the woodworks.
They showcased all their best work out on the stage, with Lead singer Alex Davidson exuding passion with every song. Even without a guitar in hand he managed to take the stage and make it his own, clearly in his element.
They worked through some of their newer and older songs such as ‘Role Models‘ and ‘Aeroplane‘ both capturing that defining Permanent (Joy) sound which consists of their classic punchy, fast paced melodies and their own modern take on that iconic 90s indie-rock sound.
However most memorably was when bass guitarist Noah rested his instrument down, raised his hands above his head and began playing a whistle. This moment lit a fire in the audience as it has become a key part of their unique live performance.
With an unmatched stage presence from all members of the band and a setlist packed with some of their greatest hits, Permanent (Joy) put on an incredible show perfectly setting the tone just in time for headline act.
The Cheap Thrills needed no introduction; the crowd instantly erupted into a deafening cheer as they took their place up on stage. Immediately starting off their set with ‘Last Orders‘, the band managed to bring a sense of community between everyone, uniting Manchester and Liverpool.
Their raw and truthful lyrics, mixed with a gritty and upbeat sound makes it understandable why they have so many dedicated fans. People had travelled from all over to catch them perform in Manchester, with one woman even coming all the way from London just for them.
The bass shook the walls of this packed out sweaty venue and the incredible tones of Lewis Pike’s voice reverberated through the room.
After playing some heavier songs with, ‘Saint or Sinner‘, ‘Walton Vale‘, ‘Home‘ and ‘Same Old Faces‘, they transitioned into a softer sound with the ballad ‘Calypso Blue‘. Torches began lighting up the dim room illuminating the band on stage. They sang the lyric ,”if all of the stars in the sky align“, which seemed to be exactly what happened on this night in Manchester.
The Cheap Thrills are clearly very close to their roots as they played through more of their setlist, each song undoubtedly reflected their lives in Liverpool.
Finally they perfectly ended their set and the night with the hit ‘Codependence’.
During this song it became clear just how much The Cheap Thrills mean to the audience. The band’s faces lit up, as the fans serenaded them with a completely acapella version of the chorus. Angelic voices travelled from one side of the room to the other, encompassing just what their music is all about.
Pikes made his way to the very front of the stage and said “Manchester one more time for you lot“, and performed a reprise.
After this phenomenal set the whole crowd was left wondering, what’s next for The Cheap Thrills? because it seems like it’s only up from here…
Taped Magazine 
MIAAA!!
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