Photo Credit: Floss Moments / Words: Erin Greasley
After eighteen months away from the road, Noahfinnce’s ‘Mr Overwhelm’ tour reached Leeds University’s Stylus on Saturday 24th October. It’s the first headline run since his comeback single, and his first chance to road-test new material from the upcoming album ‘WONKY!’ in front of a crowd. “WONKY” is a direct reaction to the state of the world right now – it’ll drive you crazy if you let it,”As stated by Noah, “The rise of the alt right. The increase in anti-trans legislation.” Tonight was a night I was definitely excited for at the Stylus in Leeds, after Noahfinnce not being back since 2 years ago!
Starting the night, the special guest on the tour Chloe Star was someone I was excited to see. Having listened to her latest single “My Apology”, released 25th September. Just like when I listen to her music, her stage show was undeniably immense, transporting the audience to the 2000s alternative rock pop era, yet somehow carrying it with a modern-day fusion. Fans were definitely happy with songs such as With the crowd immersed in this experience, singing along to the fan hits. The ‘bad-bitch energy’ which oozes from Chloe was radiant; the intimacy of the performance was clear despite the contrast with the high-energy vibe of the band and music, it all somehow clicked. This sense of nostalgia and throwback is carried through into her vlogs and online presence. Her whole set was a suitable tone setter and energy for the night ahead.
Up next came Senses, although I hadn’t really heard of these before I was definitely excited after briefly checking out their page prior to the show, it was a band I was interested in seeing! Based in Los Angeles, self-identifying as an “emo-friendly, punk-curious” band, it definitely helped set the tone and vibe for the rest of the night and the audience agreed, singing along to songs like ‘tiptoeing’; Senses definitely put on a show to hype up the audience not only for the final act, Noahfinnce but also regarding their new single ‘Patterns’ coming out on 27th October. A mixture of the hard-hitting drum beats and the raw and energetic vocals really helped keep the room moving along and having a great night. The vocal hooks kept everyone with the music in the moment, demanding the room’s attention. It was definitely a band I didn’t regret seeing and an immaculate choice for the already amazing evening.
As quoted from Kerrang, “It’s not just an album, it takes you through a journey” and this show was definitely an example of that. As a fan of Noahfinnce for a few years, I was ecstatic to hear he was back in Leeds promoting his upcoming album ‘Wonky’. With everything going on across the world, his upcoming album and performance was everything we as fans needed right now and more. It was the first show I had felt in a while where the community he’d built in one room radiates still on me today.
The introduction adopted the aesthetic of the film ‘SAW’, setting the tone with a monologue that’s clearly cut straight from the feelings and thoughts of Noahfinnce himself. Combined with the future-esque set dressing, the atmosphere was set to carry the audience to a different space. Starting off with a bang, was his newest, tour-named single ‘Mr. Overwhelm’. This was one of the 3 singles of ‘Wonky’ released on 15th October, with the full album for release next year, 17th February. As everyone sang “I’ve got nostalgia..” It was clear from the start that the whole room resonated with the whole set; singing along to every word and altogether carrying a wholesome vibe.
With a quick hello and water break. the set moved straight into ‘I know better’. Released back in 2024, the song in itself is a standout song for me and definitely got the audience moving, bringing a punchier yet techno-sounding beat to really get the audience moving, with quick clap-along and audience participation the song transitioned into its final section. After a loud cheer, it was into the next banger, and a throwback, ‘Kickin’ trash’, again with the audience singing every word and clapping along, with a mosh-pit growing bigger as the night went on. It’s clear that lyrically and emotionally the audience related to every song. The biggest standouts for me were ‘Pet with the Tism’, latest single on ‘Wonky’ ‘Too Sensitive’ and ‘Scumbag’.
A quarter through the set one of his newest songs ‘Too Sensitive’ was definitely a capturing moment, Noah’s energy never seems to fail being infectious, getting the audience moving every time. His evolving sound, drifting away from pop punk and to me,a more emotionally layered level with his music is something that the audience is definitely happy with. The set was definitely stacked, but took the audience on a journey they wouldn’t forget. With songs from his debut album ‘Growing up on the Internet’ like ‘Alexithymia’, ‘Gibberish’ and the title track ‘Growing up on the Internet’. But also all 3 singles including the title track ‘Wonky’ of us upcoming album towards the end of the set, taking a more laid-back approach with the acoustic, and the addition of everyone’s coloured lights, singing along from the start it was definitely an unforgettable moment, and an amazing reaction to the new songs and album.
Moving into another heavy banger ‘Life’s A Bit’, getting the audience grooving again and really envisioning the pop punk influences. Finishing on ‘Worms (In My Brain), both Noah and the whole audience did really put every ounce of their energy left into From start to finish the transition from the heavy pop-punk yet grungy riffs, to the emotional vulnerability conversing between Noah and the audience it was definitely a night to remember.
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Setlist:
I Know Better
Kickin’ Trash
Pet With The Tism
3 Day Headache
After Therapy
Too Sensitive
La La La
Scumbag
Headcase
Alexithymia
Subtitles
Gibberish
Growing Up On The Internet
Wonky
Asthma Attack
Life’s A Bit
Weirdos [snippet]
Worms (In My Brain)
