Photo Credit: @midlandstomanchester
Words: Izzy Hayden

Beaming lights create silhouettes as Picture Parlour amble onto stage, sunglasses on like they know how cool they are. The female led group have been taking their perfect mixture of grungy chords and elegant vocals that audiences can’t help but fall captivated by to stage since 2022. 

First giving the stage to Blue Jean’s ethereal songs that have an Indie-Rock backbone as well as, Aimee Fatale who takes you in a time machine, her tracks are infused with a classic 50’s vibe while still intertwining modern hooks and vocals reminiscent of Lana Del Rey. “Aimee Fatale fan club member” scrawled across the backdrop, the singer is allowing fans a chance to claim their place as an OG fan before she’ll inevitably be headlining these stages herself. 

With an unmistakable voice, lead singer Katherine Parlour unleashes an ulter ago, one that isn’t afraid to be honest and use a high pitch and rolled notes to create passion, especially on ‘Who’s There To Love Without You?.’ With vivid riffs during guitarist Ella Risi’s solo while the audience is engulfed by a smoke machine, the song haunts you but in the best way possible. “How are we doing Liverpool?” Parlour screams into the mic followed by a cheer of excitement from a crowd being infected by their thrilling energy. 

Fan favourites like ‘Moon Tonic‘ and ‘Cielo Drive‘ not only prove that Picture Parlour are already at home on the stage with an undeniable confidence but also that they are building a cult following of fans who belt the lyrics with an intense passion, mirroring the band’s use of music as escapism. 

“We’re about to change the mood significantly but it’s okay because it’s Saturday!” Parlour says as they suddenly take a turn into upbeat, dancier territory with ‘Talk About It‘, the song that gained them heaps of attention on social media and for good reason. It’s an absolute banger. Although the sunny guitar and lively drums make the single one that brightens the room, the lyrics focus on what it’s like being in the public eye, having to listen to “he said, she said” and rumors spiraling. 

Gleeful one moment delicate the next, ‘The Travelling Show’ follows. Vintage melodies ooze while the lyrics depict Parlour’s experience growing up in Liverpool. It captures the ache of nostalgia when thinking back on a place she couldn’t wait to leave but will still miss. Restless chords match Parlour’s yearning voice to give a soul-stirring, unforgettable performance. 

Closing a boundless evening full of love and longing, Picture Parlour’s debut track ‘Norwegian Wood’ has always been a bold first release. Raw and direct, the single thrives on cinematic riffs and a cutting tune while focussing on loneliness and hurt. “When i’m down, i’m so down” she pines with a clear unfilteredness, letting us in on her vulnerabilities. 

After the tour, the group won’t be slowing down with a slot at this year’s Truck Festival before heading across seas to Germany for Hurricane and Southside festival. All sets that are going to be a must see for any festival-goers.