Photo Credit + Words: Jessica Plunkett

Liverpool was alive on Saturday night as The Lilacs brought their rescheduled tour to a triumphant close at the O2 Academy. With an all-Wigan cohort (Casino Club and The Apostles opening the night and setting the tone for a night full of energy), the evening certainly did their hometown proud; the sense of community was undeniable, and it was an evening to remember. 

For those unfamiliar, The Lilacs are one of the North West’s indie heavyweights. Fronted by the ever-charismatic Ollie Anglesea (cue, ‘Ollie, Ollie, Ollie’ chants ringing around the venue), the band have built a loyal following through frequent touring and a catalogue of anthemic, kitchen-sink indie tracks that are reminiscent of the St. Jude era of Courteeners. 

Despite having to reschedule the run due to issues involving guitarist Sam, there was no sign of fatigue from the band or the crowds. In fact, Anglesea made a point of saying every night had been packed, and Liverpool was no exception. With this being the closing night of their set of shows, this came as no surprise, and the crowd were electric from the off (even if a mention of Man City drew a chorus of boos… no comment). 

The evening began at full throttle, with high energy tracks and the 4-piece out in full force. Midway through the evening, the band briefly left the stage to leave Ollie alone, singing a stripped-back acoustic cover of When Happy Hour Ends and That’s not me. The contrast demonstrated the band’s range and ability to transition from high energy bangers to just Ollie, a guitar, and a crowd hanging on every word. 

Sally (my favourite song, apparently controversially), was introduced with an anecdote, as Anglesea recalled a girl at an Oxford pub before a show, asking to be warned before they played the song, as it was her least favourite, so she could ‘go for a pee’ whilst it was playing. Ouch. The band took it in good spirits though, and Liverpool seemed to disagree with her opinion unanimously; the song was met with one of the biggest singalongs of the night. 

By the time they tore into the likes of Grace and closed with Vicarage Road, the band was revelling in the momentum they’d built over the course of the evening, and the past 4 years for that matter. They sounded as musically tight and charmingly confident as ever. Comparisons to The Courteeners feel inevitable, but The Lilacs are carving out a lane of their own. 

A final tour night in a packed room near their hometown. Not a bad way to call it a night.

Photo Credit: Jessica Plunkett