Photo Credit: Georgia Cottrill
After the impressive ‘Souls in Motion‘ set Pastel onto new heights at the start of 2025, the Manchester shoegaze outfit continued their momentum with sold out shows, festival appearances all across the UK. There is no signs of stopping from the just yet though, as their Sheffield return reached capacity almost instantly when tickets went on sale, making it a show to look forward to for not only the band, but those lucky enough to be in attendance to witness one of Britain’s most exciting up and coming names.
Kicking off the night were Doncaster quartet The Outcharms. More than familiar with entertaining Steel City crowds after sell out performances at The Leadmill and packing out The Foundry, this was a perfect opportunity to entertain a new crowd and recruit a chunk of fans for the remainder of 2026. The Donny lads opened the show with ‘Big Sky‘, a track that showcases the bands strengths from Cooper’s vocal range to the bands tightness that played a huge factory throughout the remainder of the set. Their latest single ‘Portraits of Madison‘ received a warm reception before more of an older anthem ‘Mr Rags to Riches‘ picked up the tempo. Wasting no time in showing the Sheffield crowd what they are all about, ‘Turncoat‘, ‘Games You Play‘ and finally ‘(Who’s Making You) Smile?‘ rounded off a short but sweet performance that certainly turned heads on the night.
As the crowd were well and truly warmed up, it wasn’t long to wait until the main event came around. Pastel made their way through the horde from the back of the room, with the Sheffield people parting to allow the Manchester lads to enter the stage. Unleashing into ‘Your Day‘ to kick off their hour long set, the room was engaged right from the word go. Pastel‘s elegant guitars, Jake Yates’ soulful lyrics and a crowd that features a mix of ages showcases these guys fit multiple genres and eras.
As ‘Running on Empty‘ concluded, the band then churned out unreleased material ‘IOU‘ and ‘Psycho Filler‘, then returning with even more ‘Souls in Motion‘ tracks. Their fans continued their appreciation after each song, an applause and the odd cheer was let out as Pastel led into the new track. ‘Heroes’ Blood’ and ”Dropping On A Pin’ set up the final portion of the set, which picked up the energy in the gallery even more.
The Yates’ brothers chemistry not only during songs but their in between as they engaged with the crowd is very reminiscent of another Manchester duo, a city that thrives on loyal fans and ensuring they walk away entertained. ‘Deeper than Holy‘ and ‘Blu‘ set up the final song of the night which was dedicated to two fans who have followed the band up and down the country for years. After a huge applause from the audience, ‘Isaiah‘ concluded Pastel‘s Sheffield return in style as the blissful chorus saw the room swaying from side to side before one last roar from the crowd gave the Manc lads their welcomed visit one to remember.
Taped Magazine 